Battle Lines Drawn: PDP Governors, Wike Set For Titanic Battle Over Fubara

A growing rift between governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has escalated over the control of the Rivers State chapter of the party. At the heart of the conflict is the struggle between Wike and the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, over party leadership in the state.

Wike, a former Rivers governor, has maintained full control of the PDP’s structure in the state, despite opposition from Governor Fubara. This dispute came to a head during the party’s state congress last weekend, which was largely boycotted by Fubara and his allies. The congress, however, solidified Wike’s grip on the party, with his loyalists taking key positions.

Fubara has publicly challenged Wike’s dominance, insisting that he should be given the same respect and control as other PDP governors in their respective states. The national leadership of the PDP initially sought to mediate the conflict, but efforts have thus far failed to produce any meaningful resolution.

Tensions flared further when Wike threatened to destabilize other PDP-controlled states if governors attempted to transfer party control in Rivers from him to Fubara. The PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF), in response, condemned Wike’s remarks and pledged full support for Fubara, calling Wike’s threats “irresponsible” and damaging to party unity.

The clash between Wike and Fubara has deepened in recent months. Wike had once advised Fubara to refrain from engaging in national politics using Rivers State resources, which contributed to the growing estrangement. Wike’s influence also appears to have played a role in securing the National Working Committee’s (NWC) backing for the composition of the congress that excluded Fubara’s supporters.

Wike’s Dominance in Rivers PDP

During the congress, which was overseen by Wike and members of the PDP’s NWC, Wike declared that he would not allow anyone to wrest party control from his faction. Wike’s grip on the party has led to defections among pro-Fubara lawmakers and commissioners, many of whom have shifted allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resigned in solidarity with Wike.

The congress saw Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron, a Wike loyalist, elected as chairman of the Rivers PDP, further entrenching Wike’s dominance. This outcome has placed Fubara’s political future within the party on uncertain ground.

Legal Challenges and Potential Repercussions

The congress was held in defiance of a court order, which had issued an injunction against the gathering. Despite this, the event proceeded, with representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other observers present, seemingly legitimizing the outcome.

With local government elections scheduled for October 2024, the unresolved crisis could weaken the PDP’s chances in Rivers State. Signals from the state party secretariat suggest that Wike’s faction may deny Fubara’s candidates the opportunity to contest under the PDP banner, further complicating the governor’s political strategy.

PDP Governors Rally Behind Fubara

Angered by Wike’s comments, the PDP governors have declared their unwavering support for Fubara. In a statement, the PDPGF reiterated its commitment to standing by all governors within the party, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and collaboration. The Forum highlighted Wike’s history of benefitting from this solidarity during his tenure and expressed disappointment at his current stance.

The governors urged national security agencies to take Wike’s threats seriously, while also remaining open to further mediation efforts to resolve the dispute.

PDP Board of Trustees Intervention

In a bid to calm tensions, a delegation from the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) visited Governor Fubara, assuring him that the board would work towards a constitutional resolution. This visit came amid rumors that Fubara was considering defecting to another party, which caused panic within PDP ranks. However, Fubara has since reiterated his commitment to remaining in the PDP, while maintaining his right to be recognized as the party’s leader in Rivers.

The BoT, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, expressed concerns that losing Rivers State could be a significant blow to the party’s future, echoing fears of past electoral defeats in 2015 and 2023.

The Way Forward

As the crisis unfolds, all eyes are on the PDP leadership and whether they will find a lasting solution to the conflict. While Wike appears to have emerged victorious for now, Fubara’s supporters continue to challenge the legitimacy of the congress and demand equal treatment within the party.

The outcome of this struggle could have significant implications for both the PDP’s future in Rivers State and its broader national standing. The governors have signaled that they are prepared to stand by Fubara in this battle, but the coming weeks will determine whether the party can heal its internal divisions or risk further fragmentation.