In what appears to be a bold confrontation to the powers and influence of Serving Governors in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Party has thrown its weight behind the Rivers State congresses, aligning with the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike’s position .
According to POLITICS NIGERIA, the NWC, led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, which comprise mostly of Wike’s Allies, made this decision during a meeting at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja on Thursday.
The situation which has seen the FCT Minister outmanoeuvring Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other governors was an outcome of the meeting that had been delayed for three weeks amid rising tension within the party, particularly between Wike and the PDP Governors Forum over the status of Rivers State party congresses.
The report further revealed that Wike’s loyalists within the PDP NWC secured also secured the postponement of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally set for September 26, to October 24.
A source said, “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 NEC meeting, originally scheduled for August to address burning issues, including Damagum’s replacement, was first moved to September 26 due to some members’ travel to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage.
The implications of the development is that Wike has defeated the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors’ Forum which had publicly backed current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, calling for a review of the Rivers State Congresses and affirmation of Fubara as the leader of the PDP in the state.
