The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has significantly impacted the party’s internal dynamics by endorsing the Rivers State congresses, reinforcing Nyesom Wike’s influence amidst ongoing power struggles. This decision was made during an NWC meeting at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, September 12.
CONFLICT BETWEEN WIKE AND FUBARA
The endorsement of the Rivers State congresses comes in the midst of escalating tensions between Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The NWC’s move has intensified the conflict, as it supports Wike’s control over the party structure in Rivers State.
POSTPONEMENT OF NEC MEETING
In addition to endorsing the Rivers congresses, the NWC has postponed the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from September 26 to October 24. The NEC meeting had the potential to overturn the NWC’s decision, which had favored the PDP governors who were supporting Fubara.
IMPENDING CHALLENGE FOR THE NEC
The postponement of the NEC meeting makes it less likely that the decision to endorse the Rivers congresses will be reversed. According to an anonymous senior NWC member, the approval of the congresses in Rivers and other states has left the dissenting NWC members with little recourse but to accept the outcome.
WORSENING INTERNAL STRIFE
The internal strife within the PDP intensified on August 24, when PDP governors publicly supported Governor Fubara, challenging Wike’s dominance over the Rivers State party structure. In response, Wike threatened severe repercussions if the governors continued to interfere in Rivers State affairs.
FUTURE IMPLICATIONS OF NEC MEETING
As tensions within the PDP continue to rise, the postponed NEC meeting is expected to play a crucial role in determining the party’s future internal dynamics and resolving the ongoing power struggle.