PDP Leaders Strategize Against Wike.
The latest on PDP leaders strategizing against Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, involves a series of political maneuvers within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria:
- NWC’s Decision: The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) has recognized Wike as the party’s leader in Rivers State, effectively endorsing the Rivers State congresses which were seen as favorable to Wike. This decision was made despite opposition from the PDP Governors Forum, who supported Governor Siminalayi Fubara against Wike’s influence.
- Postponement of NEC Meeting: The NWC postponed the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from September 26 to October 24, 2024. This move is interpreted as a strategy by Wike’s allies within the NWC to consolidate control over Rivers State’s party structure before any potential reversal by the NEC, which could have supported the governors’ stance.
- PDP Governors’ Forum’s Stance: The PDP Governors Forum publicly backed Governor Fubara, calling for a review of the Rivers State Congresses. However, Wike’s influence within the party’s national structure allowed him to maintain control over the state’s party apparatus, at least temporarily.
- Wike’s Response: Wike has publicly challenged any PDP leader or governor to label him as a mole, indicating his defiance and readiness to confront any opposition within the party head-on.
- Public Sentiment and Strategy: From posts on X, there’s a mix of sentiments. Some users believe Wike has outmaneuvered the PDP governors, controlling both PDP and APC structures in Rivers State. Others suggest that the battle is far from over, with strategies involving legal challenges or further political maneuvers being discussed.
- Meeting with PDP Board of Trustees: Wike met with the PDP Board of Trustees, indicating ongoing high-level discussions or negotiations within the party, possibly to address or mitigate the internal conflicts.
This situation reflects ongoing power struggles within the PDP, particularly centered around Rivers State’s political control, with Wike currently holding a strategic advantage due to his influence within the party’s national structure. However, the postponed NEC meeting could still play a crucial role in determining the final control over the party’s structure in Rivers State.
