PDP National Working Committee Backs Wike in Rivers Control

PDP National Working Committee endorses Wike’s control over Rivers State congresses

iexclusiveness – The PDP National Working Committee has handed control of Rivers State to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, solidifying his position in the ongoing leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This decision, made during a meeting at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, underscores the influence of Wike’s loyalists within the PDP National Working Committee (NWC).

PDP National Working Committee’s Strategic Move

This online news media understands that the PDP National Working Committee, led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, endorsed the Rivers State congresses and postponed the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for September 26, to October 24.

This postponement is significant as it delays any potential overturning of the decision regarding the Rivers State congresses.

The meeting, which had been delayed for three weeks, took place amid rising tensions within the party.

The conflict primarily involves former Rivers State governor Wike and the PDP Governors Forum, particularly over the status of the Rivers State party congresses.

PDP National Working Committee and the Wike-Fubara Conflict

The political conflict between Wike and current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, escalated on August 24 when PDP governors publicly backed Fubara.

The governors called for a review of the Rivers State Congresses and affirmed Fubara’s role as the leader of the PDP in the state.

This support for Fubara enraged Wike, who on August 31 threatened to create chaos in the governors’ states if they did not refrain from interfering in Rivers State matters.

In response, the PDP Governors’ Forum condemned Wike’s threat as irresponsible on September 3. 2024.

Despite this, a senior NWC member revealed that the approval of the Rivers and other state congresses was granted, and the NEC meeting was rescheduled to October 24. 2024.

Implications of the PDP National Working Committee’s Decision

The NEC meeting, initially set for August to address critical issues, including Damagum’s replacement, was first moved to September 26 due to some members traveling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage. It has now been rescheduled to October 24.

This delay means that only the NEC can overturn the NWC’s decision on the Rivers State congresses, which may not happen on the new date.

A senior NWC member, speaking anonymously, stated;

“They have achieved their aim. Wike has again defeated the PDP governors as the NWC approved the Rivers and other states’ congresses. There was nothing a few NWC members who were against it could do other than allow them to have their way. As it stands, only the NEC can overturn it to suit the governors’ demands.”

The approval of the Rivers State Congresses and those of other states by the NWC signifies a victory for Wike.

However, a few states where issues were identified, such as Kogi, had their Chairman and Deputy positions not approved due to anomalies.

Future Prospects for the PDP National Working Committee

The PDP National Working Committee’s decision to back Wike in the Rivers State control has significant implications for the party’s internal dynamics.

The postponement of the NEC meeting to October 24 leaves room for further political maneuvering and potential changes in the party’s leadership structure.

As the PDP navigates these internal conflicts, the role of the PDP National Working Committee will be crucial in maintaining stability and addressing the concerns of various factions within the party.

The outcome of the NEC meeting will be pivotal in determining the future direction of the PDP and its leadership.

iexclusivenews reports that in conclusion, the PDP National Working Committee’s endorsement of Wike’s control over the Rivers State congresses and the postponement of the NEC meeting highlight the ongoing power struggles within the party.

As the situation unfolds, the decisions made by the NWC and the NEC will shape the future of the PDP and its leadership dynamics.