The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strengthened his position in the ongoing leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the National Working Committee (NWC) endorsed the Rivers State congresses.
Wike’s allies in the PDP NWC not only secured this endorsement but also successfully postponed the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for September 26, to October 24.
This delay could potentially prevent any decision that might overturn the NWC’s endorsement.
The NWC, under the leadership of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, made this decision during a meeting at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja on Thursday.
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The meeting had been delayed for the past three weeks amid escalating tensions within the party, particularly between former Rivers State governor Wike and the PDP Governors Forum regarding the status of the Rivers State party congresses.
The conflict intensified on August 24 when PDP governors publicly supported current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
They called for a review of the Rivers State Congresses and affirmed Fubara’s leadership role within the state party.
This support for Fubara provoked Wike, who, on August 31, threatened to create disruptions in the governors’ states if they continued to interfere in Rivers State affairs.
In response, the PDP Governors’ Forum condemned Wike’s threats on September 3, labeling them as irresponsible.
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A senior member of the NWC, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization, disclosed that the approval of the Rivers State and other state congresses has been granted, and the NEC meeting has been rescheduled to October 24.
The NEC meeting, initially planned for August to address pressing issues, including the potential replacement of Damagum, was first postponed to September 26 due to some members traveling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage. It has now been moved to October 24.
The source stated, “They have achieved their aim. Wike has again defeated the PDP governors as the NWC approved the Rivers and other states’ congresses. There was nothing a few NWC members who were against it could do other than allow them to have their way. As it stands, only the NEC can overturn it to suit the governors’ demands.
“The Rivers State Congresses and those of other states were approved by the NWC. A few states where issues were identified were stepped down. For example, in Kogi, the Chairman and Deputy were not approved due to anomalies.
“Only the NEC can overturn the NWC’s decision on Rivers and other states. However, the NEC meeting, originally slated for September 26, has been postponed to October 24, which may not hold on that date. As it stands, Wike has defeated the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors Forum.”
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