The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially endorsed the Rivers State congresses, thereby strengthening the position of Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike in the ongoing party leadership crisis.

According to sources, the NWC, led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, made this decision during a meeting held at the party's national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, September 12. This move is seen as a significant development in the intraparty conflict, as it reinforces Wike's influence within the PDP.

As reported by The Punch, the NWC's endorsement of the congresses and the subsequent postponement of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from September 26 to October 24 have significantly bolstered the position of Minister Nyesom Wike's loyalists in the ongoing party crisis.

The rescheduling of the NEC meeting, which had the potential to reverse the NWC's decision, may enable Wike's faction to consolidate its control and influence within the party.

This development has potentially shifted the balance of power in favour of Wike's loyalists, allowing them to maintain their grip on the party's leadership.

Why are PDP governors fighting Wike?

(PDP) has been grappling with a leadership crisis centred on a dispute between Wike and the PDP Governors Forum, as well as Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, regarding the legitimacy of the Rivers State Party congresses.

The situation deteriorated after the PDP governors publicly endorsed Fubara, prompting Wike to issue threats of retaliation. In response, the PDP Governors' Forum denounced Wike's threats as irresponsible.

A senior member of the NWC disclosed that the Rivers State congresses, along with those of other states, have been approved, and the NEC meeting has been rescheduled for October 24. According to the source, Wike's faction has successfully achieved its objectives, and only the NEC possesses the authority to reverse the NWC's decision.

However, there is uncertainty regarding whether the NEC meeting will take place on the newly scheduled date, which could potentially enable Wike's faction to sustain its control.