Some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have thrown their weight behind the recent court judgment that nullified the party’s executives at the ward, local government, and state levels in Rivers State.
The declaration was made on Wednesday night, January 22, when the PDP NWC delegation, led by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, visited Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt. During the visit, the delegation held a closed-door meeting with the governor.
PDP Leaders Align with Governor Fubara
Speaking during the visit, PDP National Treasurer Ahmed Mohammed affirmed Governor Fubara as the leader of the PDP in Rivers State. Mohammed explained that the visit was part of efforts to realign the party and strategize ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He reiterated the NWC’s commitment to stabilizing and uniting the party in Rivers State, further stating their support for Ude Okoye, recently reinstated by the Court of Appeal as the PDP National Secretary. Mohammed urged party stakeholders and governors to rally behind Okoye’s leadership to strengthen the party’s structure.
PDP Youth Leaders Back Fubara
The visit by the NWC delegation came a day after PDP youth leaders from across the country met with Governor Fubara to address the internal crisis within the state chapter. The youths affirmed their support for Fubara’s leadership, aligning with his efforts to resolve the party’s lingering issues.
Court Judgment Sparks Party Tensions
The nullification of the PDP ward, local government, and state congresses has intensified tensions within the party. Loyalists of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike had previously won the congresses, but conflicting court orders marred the process. While the State High Court restrained the exercise, the Federal High Court approved it.
Following the nullification, an interim committee emerged to oversee the party’s affairs in the state. The political conflict has deepened the rift between Governor Fubara and Wike over control of the party’s structure in Rivers State.
Wike Accuses Fubara of Breaching Tinubu’s Peace Deal
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike recently accused Governor Fubara of disregarding a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State. During a media chat in Abuja, Wike dismissed the possibility of reconciliation with Fubara, highlighting their continued disagreement over the state’s political structure.
In December 2023, both leaders, alongside other political stakeholders, signed a peace deal at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. However, tensions have persisted, raising questions about the deal’s implementation.
Sources:
The Punch
The Nation
Leadership Newspaper
