The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strengthened his position in the ongoing leadership struggle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) endorsed the controversial Rivers State congresses. The NWC, led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, postponed the crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, initially scheduled for September 26, to October 24, preventing a potential reversal of the decision.
This development follows escalating tensions between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is supported by PDP governors. The governors had previously backed Fubara as the leader of the PDP in Rivers State, prompting Wike to issue a stern warning against their interference. Despite this, the NWC’s approval of the Rivers congresses solidifies Wike’s standing, with only the postponed NEC meeting holding the power to overturn the decision.
An anonymous NWC member confirmed that other state congresses were also approved, except for a few where anomalies were detected, such as Kogi State. As things stand, Wike has outmaneuvered the Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors Forum.
