Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have taken a bold stand in support of Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State, sparking a high-profile political standoff with former governor and current Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. The tension between Wike and Fubara, once political allies, has deepened, with the PDP governors and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) backing Fubara’s control over the state’s PDP structure.
The disagreement between Wike and Fubara began shortly after Fubara assumed office as Governor of Rivers State. Fubara, once seen as Wike’s political protégé, has drifted from his mentor’s influence, leading to a power struggle over who should lead the PDP in the state. Wike, who was a dominant figure during his time as Rivers State governor, has found himself at odds with Fubara’s increasing independence.
As Wike voiced his dissatisfaction with Fubara’s growing control over the party, he issued a stark warning to the PDP governors, threatening to cause disruption in their states if they continued to support his estranged ally. He made it clear that he would not step aside quietly and that his influence over Rivers State politics should not be dismissed lightly.
Despite Wike’s threats, the PDP governors have stood firm in their decision to back Fubara. Led by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the PDP Governors’ Forum stated unequivocally that Fubara, as the sitting governor of Rivers State, holds the rightful position of leadership within the party. The PDP’s internal structure traditionally recognizes the sitting governor as the party leader in their respective state, and Fubara’s case is no different.
Speaking after a meeting with the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), Governor Mohammed reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to backing Fubara. He stressed that the decision to support Fubara aligns with the party’s rules and the principle of the rule of law, which ensures that the sitting governor maintains control over the party’s structure.
“The decision is in order, and that is how it is supposed to be,” Mohammed said. “Governor Fubara is the leader of the party in the state, and the National Working Committee has given its full support to the decision of the PDP Governors’ Forum.”
The PDP’s National Working Committee has fully endorsed the governors’ stance on the matter. The NWC, which plays a key role in maintaining order and unity within the party, expressed its confidence in Fubara’s leadership and backed the decision to recognize him as the party leader in Rivers State.
The NWC’s endorsement signals a broader acceptance within the party that Fubara should lead in Rivers State, pushing Wike further into opposition within the PDP. However, the NWC and the PDP governors remain hopeful that a resolution between Wike and Fubara can be reached, as continued internal strife could weaken the party’s standing in the state and on the national stage.
Despite the firm stance in support of Fubara, there are ongoing efforts to reconcile the two key figures in Rivers State. Governor Mohammed noted that the party is working behind the scenes to mend the fractured relationship between Wike and Fubara. The PDP has a long-standing tradition of resolving internal disputes through dialogue, and the leadership is hopeful that Wike and Fubara can come together in the interest of the party’s future.
“We all know the relationship between the FCT Minister and the current Governor of Rivers State,” Mohammed said, referring to the mentor-mentee dynamic that once defined Wike and Fubara’s relationship. “We are working behind the scenes to ensure they come together to work in a manner PDP is known for.”
While the rift has not yet been fully resolved, PDP leaders are determined to ensure that the party remains united and focused, particularly with key elections on the horizon.
As it stands, the PDP governors and the NWC are united in their recognition of Siminalayi Fubara as the rightful leader of the PDP in Rivers State. While Wike remains a formidable force within the party, his threats and opposition have not swayed the party’s leadership. The next steps will likely involve attempts to reconcile Wike and Fubara, ensuring that the party does not suffer from internal divisions.
The outcome of this power struggle will be critical for the future of the PDP in Rivers State and could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s national leadership and unity. For now, Fubara’s position as leader of Rivers State is secure, with the full backing of the PDP governors and the NWC.
