PDP Crisis Worsens as Wike-Fubara Rift Divides NWC

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, with divisions emerging among members of the National Working Committee (NWC) over their allegiance to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The rift between the two political figures, which began months ago over control of the party in Rivers State, has now extended to the national level, deepening tensions within the PDP.

At a press conference held at the PDP headquarters in Abuja, Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi distanced the NWC from a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba. The statement had recognized the Ewor-led executive committee as the authentic leadership of the party in Rivers State and urged them to work with Governor Fubara. Abdullahi, however, claimed he had been directed by the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagun, to refute Ologunagba’s statement, insisting that the NWC had not taken any position on the matter.

Abdullahi further clarified that the judgment regarding the Rivers PDP leadership had not been officially served to the party, and as such, no decision had been made by the NWC. He accused Ologunagba of spreading falsehoods to advance a predetermined agenda and urged party members to disregard his statement. According to him, the NWC has not convened since September 2024, making it impossible for it to have deliberated on the Rivers State crisis.

Regarding the national secretaryship of the PDP, Abdullahi affirmed that Senator Samuel Anyanwu remained the substantive National Secretary pending the outcome of an appeal before the Supreme Court. He emphasized that any legal appeal must be resolved before changes to the position could be considered.

When questioned about why he was addressing the media instead of Ologunagba, Abdullahi asserted that, as an elected official at the same convention as Ologunagba, he had equal authority to speak for the party. He accused his colleague of acting without proper authorization and criticized his handling of party communications, suggesting that Ologunagba’s statements had created confusion and discomfort within the party’s leadership.