PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike-Fubara Rift Splits NWC

The rift between Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara intensifies, creating turmoil within the PDP National Working Committee. Party unity faces unprecedented challenges.

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, as members of the National Working Committee (NWC) are divided over the growing conflict between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The discord, originating from a power struggle within the party, has been ongoing for months and is causing divisions among the top ranks of the opposition.

At a press conference held on Friday at the PDP national headquarters in Abuja, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, denied a statement that had been made by Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary. Abdullahi asserted that Ologunagba did not have authorization to speak for the PDP regarding the crisis in Rivers State.

Abdullahi stated that he was directed by the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagun, to challenge Ologunagba’s statement affirming the legitimacy of the Ewo-led executive in Rivers State. Abdullahi clarified, “To be clear, not even the mentioned judgment has been served on our party. The NWC has neither received it nor convened to make any decision regarding this judgment.”

He also accused Ologunagba of disseminating “deliberate falsehoods with the intent to fulfill a predetermined agenda,” and urged party members and the public to ignore the statement.

Earlier, Ologunagba released a statement acknowledging the executive led by Ewo and urging them to collaborate with Governor Fubara. This action seems to have heightened tensions within the party.

Concerning the national secretaryship status, Abdullahi confirmed that Senator Samuel Anyanwu continues to be the official national secretary until the Supreme Court settles the ongoing appeal. “That is what the law dictates. When there is an appeal, it falls upon the appellant to await its resolution,” he mentioned.

When asked about his authority to speak with journalists, Abdullahi clarified, “I was elected at the same convention. Because of our roles, I have equal power to represent this party.” He accused Ologunagba of making decisions on his own and letting personal feelings affect his professional responsibilities.

“The NWC hasn’t convened since September of last year,” Abdullahi mentioned. “Therefore, I’m curious how he can claim that the NWC met and approved or accepted the decision recognizing the Ewor-led state executive committee in Rivers State.”