PDP Crisis: Governors, Wike in Standoff Over Fubara, Damagun’s Role Under Scrutiny

A fierce political battle has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pitting governors aligned with the party against the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over control of the Rivers State PDP. The conflict revolves around the power struggle between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, sparking concerns that the party’s National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagun, may face backlash for his handling of the situation.

Governors vs. Wike: A Political Feud Escalates

Tensions have been rising between Wike and Fubara, his handpicked successor, over control of the PDP’s political structure in Rivers State. Wike, who continues to wield significant influence over the party’s affairs in Rivers, orchestrated last weekend’s PDP congress in the state, which left Fubara and his loyalists sidelined. This congress was boycotted by the governor and his supporters.

Wike’s dominance over the congress was seen as a clear assertion of control, with the former governor declaring that no one would strip him of his hold on the Rivers PDP while he is alive. He also issued threats to destabilize PDP-controlled states whose governors have rallied behind Fubara, creating further friction between the factions.

Governors Rally Behind Fubara

In response to Wike’s inflammatory comments, the PDP Governors Forum (PDPGF) issued a strong statement condemning his threats. They pledged their support for Fubara, emphasizing that the governor deserves respect and recognition within the party. The governors also called on security agencies to take note of Wike’s remarks, which they labeled as reckless and harmful to the unity of the party.

The PDPGF Director General, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, described Wike’s statements as “unbridled and irresponsible,” noting that they undermine efforts to maintain peace and cooperation within the party. The forum stressed that it would stand by Fubara and uphold the principles of mutual respect among the party’s leadership.

Wike’s Power Play and Fubara’s Defiance

As the battle intensifies, Governor Fubara has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving the PDP. Despite being marginalized during the congress, Fubara has vowed to remain in the party and fight for his political future. He maintains that he should be given the same privileges as other PDP governors in controlling the party’s structure within his state.

The internal conflict stems from Wike’s belief that he is entitled to control the party’s machinery in Rivers, a view that Fubara and his allies reject. The political feud reached a critical point when 27 state lawmakers loyal to Wike defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while nine commissioners also resigned in solidarity with Wike, further fragmenting the party.

Congress Under Legal Scrutiny

The recent Rivers State congress, which saw the election of Wike ally Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron as chairman, is being contested by Fubara’s camp. The congress was conducted despite an interim injunction issued by the Rivers State High Court, which had ordered the suspension of the event. The congress proceeded under the watchful eye of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), giving it an appearance of legitimacy, though legal questions remain.

Fubara’s legal allies have called the congress a “nullity” and plan to challenge its validity. Dr. Emmah Oka, a close associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, criticized the event as a “pyrrhic victory” for Wike that will not stand in the long run. He emphasized that the governor respects the rule of law and is determined to see the congress overturned.

PDP BoT Attempts Mediation

In an effort to quell the crisis, the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, recently visited Governor Fubara, assuring him that the party would find a constitutional solution to the ongoing conflict. The BoT’s visit was seen by many as a panic response to rumors of Fubara’s potential defection to the Action Peoples’ Party (APP), a move that could further weaken the PDP.

The BoT emphasized that Fubara, as governor, should be recognized as the leader of the party in Rivers State, a role that Wike continues to contest. Wabara reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to resolving the crisis, underscoring the importance of unity ahead of crucial elections, including the upcoming local government polls.

Local Government Election Threatened

With the Rivers local government election scheduled for October 5, 2024, the PDP faces an urgent need to resolve its internal strife. Governor Fubara’s ability to field candidates may be compromised if the current factionalism persists, as the newly elected state chairman, loyal to Wike, could block the governor’s candidates from running on the PDP platform.

The Ogoni Development Drive (ODD), a grassroots political group, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the PDP leadership, demanding a resolution to the crisis. Failure to act, the group warned, could lead to mass mobilization against the party in Rivers State.