The leadership struggle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as the National Working Committee (NWC) endorsed the Rivers State congresses, consolidating Nyesom Wike’s influence.
The NWC’s decision, made during a meeting at Wadata Plaza in Abuja on Thursday, affirms Wike’s control and delays the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting—initially scheduled for September 26—to October 24. This postponement could prevent any potential reversal of the endorsement.
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The PDP NWC, chaired by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, faced mounting pressure as tensions escalated between Wike and the PDP Governors Forum.
The conflict reached a peak when PDP governors publicly supported current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and called for a review of the Rivers State congresses.
Wike responded with threats to destabilize the governors’ states if they continued to interfere in Rivers State affairs, prompting condemnation from the PDP Governors Forum.
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An anonymous NWC member revealed that the endorsement of the Rivers and other state congresses had been completed, and the rescheduled NEC meeting would be the only remaining venue for overturning the decision.
Some states, such as Kogi, saw partial approval due to identified irregularities, but the Rivers State congresses were fully endorsed.
The delay of the NEC meeting, originally set to address crucial issues including the potential replacement of Damagum, is seen as a strategic move to solidify Wike’s gains.
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The rescheduling of the meeting to October 24 may affect its execution, further entrenching Wike’s position against the governors’ forum led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
