In a strategic maneuver that improves his standing within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, has achieved a pivotal win in the ongoing leadership turmoil of the party. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has officially recognized the congresses held in Rivers State, a crucial decision amid the party’s internal discord.
This endorsement was announced following a meeting at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja on Thursday.
This approval not only reinforces Wike’s authority but also resulted in the postponement of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which was originally set for September 26.
The NEC meeting has been rescheduled for October 24, a delay that may avert any immediate challenges to the NWC’s ruling.
Under the leadership of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, the NWC has been grappling with a tumultuous phase within the party.
Tensions within the party intensified after the PDP Governors Forum publicly showed support for the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, over Wike, the former governor of the state. This action, taken on August 24, ignited further conflict within the ranks of the PDP.
Wike expressed his frustration publicly, threatening on August 31 to incite unrest in the states of the governors who had meddled in Rivers State’s affairs.
In response, the PDP Governors Forum labeled this threat as irresponsible on September 3, exacerbating the divisions within the party.
A senior member of the NWC, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to a lack of official clearance, revealed to Punch that the endorsement of the Rivers State and other state congresses was granted despite the ongoing disputes.
The NEC meeting, initially planned to discuss urgent matters, including the potential replacement of Damagum, was first delayed from August to September 26 to accommodate members traveling for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, and has now been pushed to October 24.
The source stated, “Their objectives have been accomplished. Wike has once again outmaneuvered the PDP governors with the NWC’s approval of the Rivers and other state congresses. Those NWC members who opposed it had little choice but to acquiesce. Currently, only the NEC can reverse this to cater to the governors’ demands.
“The NWC has approved the congresses for Rivers State and others. However, some states with identified issues were put on hold. For instance, in Kogi, the Chairman and Deputy were not sanctioned due to discrepancies.
“Only the NEC has the authority to overturn the NWC’s decisions regarding Rivers and other states. However, with the meeting postponed from September 26 to October 24, there’s uncertainty if it will even occur on that date. At this juncture, Wike has triumphed over the PDP Governors Forum led by Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.”
