Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has strengthened his influence in the ongoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership crisis as the National Working Committee (NWC) gave its backing to the Rivers State congresses. Wike’s strong position within the party was further cemented when his supporters within the NWC secured the endorsement of these congresses, while also managing to delay the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that could have challenged this decision. Originally scheduled for September 26, the NEC meeting was postponed to October 24, providing Wike’s faction additional time to maintain control.
The NWC, under the leadership of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, reached this decision during a meeting held at the party’s headquarters in Abuja. This meeting marked the end of a three-week delay, during which tensions had been escalating within the PDP, particularly between Wike and the PDP Governors Forum, over control of the Rivers State congresses.
The conflict between Wike and the current Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, came to a head on August 24 when the PDP Governors publicly threw their weight behind Fubara. The governors called for a review of the Rivers State Congresses and endorsed Fubara’s position as the leader of the party in the state. This direct challenge to Wike’s authority in Rivers State infuriated him. On August 31, Wike issued a stern warning to the governors, threatening to stir trouble in their states if they continued meddling in the affairs of Rivers State. His threat was not well received, as the PDP Governors Forum condemned his statements on September 3, calling them irresponsible.
However, despite the strong reaction from the governors, Wike’s influence within the NWC appears to have won the day. A senior NWC member, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly, confirmed that the approval of the Rivers State congresses, along with several others, had been granted. This insider also revealed that the NEC meeting, which had been set to address significant issues, including the replacement of the acting National Chairman, was initially scheduled for August but was delayed first to September 26 due to some members going on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, and now to October 24.
The postponement of the NEC meeting was seen as a strategic move by Wike’s camp to ensure that the decision made by the NWC in favor of the Rivers State congresses remains intact for as long as possible. With the delay in the NEC meeting, which could potentially reverse the NWC’s decision, Wike has gained a temporary advantage over the PDP Governors Forum. His political maneuvering has allowed him to secure control over the Rivers State chapter of the PDP, at least for the time being.
The NWC’s decision to endorse the Rivers State congresses also extended to other states. While most state congresses were approved, there were a few exceptions. For instance, in Kogi State, the Chairman and Deputy Chairman were not approved due to irregularities that were identified. Nevertheless, the overall outcome of the NWC meeting was seen as a major victory for Wike, as it upheld his influence in Rivers State and thwarted the efforts of the governors to challenge his authority.
As things stand, the NEC is the only body with the power to overturn the NWC’s decision on the Rivers State congresses and other states where approvals were given. However, with the NEC meeting now pushed to October 24 and uncertainty about whether it will even hold on that date, Wike’s grip on the situation remains firm. His political adversaries within the PDP, particularly the governors, will have to wait until the NEC reconvenes to make any further attempts to reverse the decisions in his favor.