In a dramatic twist, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has emerged victorious in the ongoing power tussle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has handed him control over the Rivers State chapter, a move that has shaken the PDP Governors Forum to its core.
Wike’s loyalists in the NWC not only secured approval for the Rivers State congresses but also successfully delayed the critical National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting—originally scheduled for September 26—to October 24.
This strategic postponement is seen as a calculated effort to prevent the reversal of this controversial decision.
The NWC meeting, which had been postponed for three weeks amid escalating tensions, was finally held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. Led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, the committee’s decision underscores Wike’s growing influence within the PDP, particularly in his clash with current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The feud between the two heavyweights boiled over on August 24 when PDP governors threw their weight behind Fubara, endorsing him as the rightful leader of the PDP in Rivers State.
Outraged by this show of support, Wike fired back with a chilling threat, warning the governors to stay out of his territory or risk political chaos in their own states.
While the PDP Governors Forum condemned Wike’s outburst, branding it as “irresponsible,” the NWC’s recent decision suggests that the former Rivers State governor remains a force to be reckoned with. A senior NWC member, speaking anonymously, revealed that the congresses in Rivers and several other states were given the green light, leaving the governors with little room to maneuver.
“Wike has once again outmaneuvered the PDP governors,” the source disclosed. “The NWC approved the Rivers State congresses despite opposition, and only the NEC can reverse this decision—if the postponed meeting even holds as planned in October.”
With the NEC meeting now delayed, Wike’s grip on Rivers State appears stronger than ever, and the PDP governors are left reeling, unsure of how to challenge his dominance.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes remain on the next move in this high-stakes battle for control within the PDP.
(PUNCH)
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