Potential Showdown Looms Between PDP Governors And Wike As NWC Meets This Wednesday

Tensions are rising between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) gears up for a crucial meeting on Wednesday.

The potential clash is set against the backdrop of escalating political discord in Rivers State, where the rift between Wike and the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has significantly impacted governance. Both Wike and Fubara are members of the PDP, and their feud has caused a split within the Rivers State House of Assembly. A faction led by Martin Amaewhule supports Wike, while another faction, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, remains loyal to Fubara.

Despite efforts by President Bola Tinubu and other prominent figures to mediate, the conflict has persisted, resulting in several legal battles in both Port Harcourt and Abuja. The situation intensified when the Amb. Umar Damagum-led NWC proceeded with the congress in Rivers State, despite a court injunction, effectively placing control of the PDP’s state structure in Wike’s hands.

Chief Edwin Clark, former Federal Commissioner for Information, accused Wike of using his connections with President Tinubu to exert pressure on Governor Fubara and the PDP. In response, the PDP Governors Forum has voiced full support for Fubara.

Wike, addressing the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt, warned against any attempts by governors to seize control of the PDP structure in their states. He declared, “I assure you, no one will take the PDP structure from us. Any governor who tries to do so will face consequences. When peace is given to you and you reject it, you must face the repercussions.”

As the NWC meeting approaches, concerns are mounting about the potential impact on PDP unity and governance in Rivers State. Emmanuel Agbo, Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, confirmed that a meeting to address Wike’s threats is imminent. He stated, “The governors will meet and take a position. The Secretariat will then convey their stance. I will update the press once the meeting is confirmed.”

The NWC meeting, scheduled for Wednesday at Wadata Plaza, the PDP national headquarters in Abuja, will likely review recent ward and state congresses, as well as the governors’ stance on Rivers State. A senior NWC member, speaking anonymously, indicated that the party leaders will discuss the ongoing litigation involving defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the governors’ positions on the matter.

“We expect the PDP Governors to present their views on Rivers State and suggest a way forward,” the source revealed.