Plot to Remove Rivers Governor Fubara Deepens as Wike and PDP Leaders Clash with Edwin Clark

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reached a boiling point, as a growing plot to unseat Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara gains momentum. Former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, along with the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umaru Damagum, have come under fire from elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, who accuses them of colluding to undermine both the party and Governor Fubara’s administration.

Recent developments have seen the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) divided, with a majority reportedly aligning with Wike in efforts to orchestrate Fubara’s removal. Insiders suggest that Wike’s influence within the NWC has grown significantly, with at least 12 members, including key figures such as the National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and the National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, allegedly working towards the governor’s ouster. However, three members of the NWC, including the National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), have opposed these moves, creating a deep rift within the party’s leadership.

The power struggle has paralyzed governance in Rivers State, with the state House of Assembly split into two factions. One faction, led by Martin Amaewhule, is loyal to Wike, while the other, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, supports Governor Fubara. This division has led to parallel legislative sessions and conflicting public hearings on key bills, further complicating the political landscape in the state.

Chief Edwin Clark, in a strongly worded open letter, accused Wike and Damagum of leveraging their positions to weaken the PDP in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He urged the party leadership to distance itself from Wike, warning that his continued influence could spell disaster for the PDP, particularly in Rivers State.

Wike, known for his confrontational style, has dismissed Clark’s accusations, questioning the elder statesman’s relevance within the PDP and asserting his own significant contributions to the party. Despite the ongoing internal strife, Wike has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving the PDP, vowing instead to stay and fight.

As the crisis unfolds, the PDP has moved to address the situation by inaugurating a disciplinary committee chaired by former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi. This committee is tasked with investigating allegations of anti-party activities, particularly those that allegedly contributed to the PDP’s poor performance in the 2023 general elections. Wike’s name has been mentioned in discussions about possible sanctions, further complicating the party’s internal dynamics.

The ongoing conflict has also seen the involvement of the PDP’s Board of Trustees, which recently met with Governor Fubara in an attempt to quell rumors of his potential defection from the party. Despite these efforts, the situation remains tense, with the PDP’s future in Rivers State and its overall unity hanging in the balance as the party navigates this deeply divisive period.