PDP Leadership Struggle: Wike Secures Control Over Rivers State as NWC Backs His Congresses

In a move within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Working Committee (NWC) has endorsed the Rivers State congresses, consolidating Nyesom Wike’s influence amid the ongoing leadership struggle. The NWC’s decision, made on Thursday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, further delays a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, initially scheduled for September 26, now postponed to October 24.

Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum presided over the meeting, which had been delayed for three weeks due to rising tensions within the party. The conflict, primarily between former Rivers State Governor Wike and the PDP Governors Forum, intensified after the forum backed the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

On August 24, PDP governors supported Fubara and demanded a review of the Rivers State congresses, asserting his leadership in the state. Wike, in response, threatened disruption in governors’ states if they continued to interfere with Rivers State’s affairs. This prompted a condemnation from the PDP Governors’ Forum on September 3, which labeled Wike’s threat as irresponsible.

A senior NWC member disclosed that the approval of the Rivers and other state congresses was confirmed, while the NEC meeting’s rescheduling to October 24 may not necessarily resolve the issue. “The NWC’s decision stands firm, and Wike has managed to outmaneuver the PDP governors,” the source said. “Only the NEC has the power to overturn this decision, but with the rescheduled date, the outcome remains uncertain.”

Several state congresses, including those in Kogi, faced issues, resulting in delays for certain approvals. As it stands, the postponed NEC meeting is the only remaining venue for potential changes to the NWC’s recent decisions.