Tensions may rise within the PDP as governors and Wike could clash during the upcoming National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on Wednesday. Get insights into the potential conflict and its impact on the party’s dynamics.
Unless there are unforeseen modifications, the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory may face a confrontation as the party’s National Working Committee gathers on Wednesday.
For several months, the functioning of governance in Rivers State has been impaired by a political dispute involving Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who are both affiliated with the PDP party.
The conflict has resulted in a division within the State House of Assembly, as Martin Amaewhule’s faction endorses Wike and Victor Oko-Jumbo’s faction remains faithful to Fubara.
The conflict in Rivers State, despite mediation efforts from notable figures like President Bola Tinubu, persists as the factions continue to engage in various legal disputes within courts located in Port Harcourt and Abuja.
Although a court injunction prevented the PDP from conducting congresses in Rivers State, the Amb Umar Damagum-led NWC proceeded with organizing one that resulted in Wike taking control of the party structure in the state.
Chief Edwin Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader, addressed an open letter to the party leadership, alleging Wike of exerting unjustifiable pressure on Fubara and the PDP through his association with Tinubu.
The governors of the PDP showed their backing for Fubara and requested that the party’s NWC authorize his “deserved” role as the leader of their state.
Wike, speaking at the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt, pledged to take resolute measures within states governed by the party.
Rest assured, as long as we are alive and breathing, nobody will snatch the framework of the PDP from us. However, I have heard that certain governors intend to wrestle control of our structure only to transfer it back into someone else’s hands.
“I feel sorry for those governors, as I will ignite chaos within their states. It is unfortunate when one rejects the gift of peace that God has bestowed upon them and instead chooses to seize anything they come across.”
Emmanuel Agbo, Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, stated that a meeting to address Wike’s threat was forthcoming when contacted.
“He specifically spoke to the governors who will convene and indicate their stance. The Secretariat is responsible for relaying this position of the Governors. Prior to that, I have nothing further to say,” he stated.
Agbo stated that he would inform the press once a confirmation regarding the convening of governors is received.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, the NWC meeting will be held at Wadata Plaza which is located at PDP national headquarters in Abuja.
During an interview, a senior NWC member spoke on the condition of anonymity since he lacked authorization to comment publicly. He disclosed that party leaders were scheduled to evaluate and deliberate on the PDP’s ward and state congresses held recently. Additionally, they will review governors’ positions concerning Rivers at their next meeting.
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It is expected that the PDP governors will get in touch with the NWC to communicate their position regarding Rivers State and express their desired course of action.
The source offered that the NWC meeting would tackle any such matters and additionally deliberate upon the current legal action pertaining to Rivers State House of Assembly members who have switched sides.
It should be noted that during the previous PDP NWC meeting, there was a noticeable rift amongst its members.
Despite the court injunction, Damagum and multiple others gave their approval for Wike to proceed with the Rivers congress. On the other hand, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Debo Ologunagba, and Daniel Woyegikuro – respectively serving as National Legal Adviser, National Publicity Secretary ,and National Financial Secretary – held fast to following proper procedures in favor of Fubara’s interests.
Key state officials were barred from engaging with the defected lawmakers on July 8, 2024 by an ex parte order issued by Rivers State High Court.
Surprisingly, the lawyers of Wike lodged an appeal without obtaining consent from both his party and the National Legal Adviser.
Even though Ajibade made an attempt to withdraw the appeal on July 24th, a letter dated August 15th from Samuel Anyanwu of Damagum and PDP National Secretary addressed to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt provided clarification that emphasized that it was not PDP’s involvement behind this withdrawal.
According to the source, there will be discussions on all of these issues.
Kola Ologbondiyan, a former PDP National Publicity Secretary and current member of the National Executive Committee, claimed that Damagum and Anyanwu’s letter contradicting the National Legal Adviser serves as ample justification for other NWC members to pass a vote of no confidence in the acting national chairman.
According to Ologbondiyan, the responsibility of rescuing the PDP rested on its NWC and Nigerians were anticipating that the party would salvage them from maladministration orchestrated by the Federal Government led by All Progressives Congress.
“Passing a vote of no confidence on Damagum is necessary,” he asserted. “With the NWC being well-equipped for it, this decision was justified by both Damagum’s actions as national chairman and Samuel Anyanwu’s role as national secretary. They wrote to the court in contradiction with our National Legal Adviser.”
The decision lies with the National Working Committee, and it is their responsibility to handle accordingly. However, using your position’s influence against the National Legal Adviser in court is unacceptable.
Going against the norms, both the national chairman and secretary violated the clearly defined role of the National Legal Adviser as stated in constitution. It was an aberration that cannot be ignored or left unaddressed. Neglecting this issue is not a feasible option for me to consider either personally or professionally.
Okechukwu Osuoha, who is both a member of the National Executive Committee and the National Deputy Legal Adviser for the party, urged the NWC to treat Fubara similarly to other governors in terms of party structure.
Rivers state party structure is dependent on the governor. Consequently, the NWC should replicate successful strategies implemented in other states to ensure success.
The governor-centric model of PDP in other states should be implemented in Rivers state since all Nigerian states hold equal importance, and the significance of Rivers State cannot be overlooked. Losing control over this region is not an option.
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor commented that the implementation of the PDP governors’ position should not be delayed or feigned by Rivers State party stakeholders and NWC.
What is of greater significance is that the party’s interest be served by achieving a peaceful resolution to the Rivers dispute.
As far as I am aware, there is no disagreement regarding the identity of the leader of Rivers’ political party – Governor Sim Fubara holds that position.
