The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is experiencing a deepening crisis, which has led to a division within its National Working Committee (NWC). The conflict, primarily between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has factionalized the party’s leadership.
The dispute worsened after the PDP Congresses in Rivers State were rescheduled, leading to the postponement of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from September 26 to October 24. The conflict stems from disagreements over control of the party structure in Rivers State, especially between Wike and the current Governor Siminalayi Fubara. As the two factions rally for control, the PDP is left in a state of turmoil, with both sides making public threats and counter-accusations.
Wike’s Threats Escalate Conflict Within PDP
The feud between Wike and PDP governors escalated further in late August when the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, publicly supported Siminalayi Fubara in his conflict with Wike. The governors called for a review of the controversial state congresses in Rivers. In response, Wike issued a bold warning on August 31, threatening to disrupt activities in the states of the governors if they continued to interfere in Rivers State matters.
Wike’s threats were met with sharp criticism, particularly from Bala Mohammed, who labeled them as irresponsible. This set the stage for a further breakdown in relations within the PDP, as the party’s internal divisions became increasingly public. By October 5, Fubara’s camp scored a victory in local government elections, dealing a blow to Wike’s influence, as 22 of the 23 chairmen elected were from the Action Peoples Party (APP), a rival political group.
Suspensions Rock PDP as Wike’s Camp Tightens Grip
As the Wike-Bala conflict raged on, the PDP’s National Working Committee became a battleground for the warring factions. On October 10, the party’s NWC, under the leadership of factional Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, announced the suspension of two key officials: National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN). The suspensions were widely seen as an effort by Wike’s camp to tighten its grip on the party, especially concerning control over Rivers State.
In a surprising turn of events, the Ologunagba faction retaliated by suspending Damagum and National Secretary Sen. Samuel Anyanwu on grounds of disloyalty to the party. They cited Damagum’s involvement in a letter sent to the Court of Appeal supporting defectors from the Rivers State House of Assembly, which went against the party’s position. This tit-for-tat series of suspensions highlights the deepening divide within the PDP’s leadership.
Calls for Reconciliation Amid Widening Division
Amid the growing crisis, the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) has intervened, urging the warring factions within the NWC to de-escalate tensions and restore peace. On October 11, the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, issued a statement calling for the restoration of party unity and urging both sides to retract their actions. Wabara emphasized that the BoT remains committed to fostering peace and reconciliation within the PDP.
Despite these calls for peace, it remains uncertain whether the opposing factions will heed the BoT’s advice. With both camps continuing to entrench their positions and issue suspensions, the future of the PDP appears increasingly fragile. The outcome of the investigations into the suspended officials, as well as the results of the postponed NEC meeting, could determine the future direction of the party. For now, the Peoples Democratic Party’s internal discord remains a pressing issue as it struggles to maintain unity ahead of key political contests.
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