The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified due to issues arising in Rivers State and the escalating conflict between the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
This turmoil has led to the factionalization of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), as reported by Saturday PUNCH.
Following the removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu by a court, Umar Damagum has served as the factional acting National Chairman. His leadership has faced increasing criticism, prompting calls for his resignation.
The situation worsened when Damagum and other NWC members aligned with Wike to approve controversial PDP Congresses in Rivers State. They also postponed the National Executive Committee meeting from September 26 to October 24.
The conflict between Wike and the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, escalated on August 24, when PDP governors publicly supported Fubara and called for a review of the state congresses. In a retaliatory move, Wike threatened on August 31 to disrupt activities in the governors’ states if they continued to interfere in Rivers State matters.
This prompted the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, to label Wike’s threats as irresponsible on September 3.
Further complicating matters, Fubara oversaw local government elections on October 5, resulting in a significant setback for Wike’s camp, as 22 of the 23 newly elected chairmen belonged to the Action Peoples Party.
In an unexpected development, the NWC issued a statement on Friday, announcing the suspension of its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), signaling a further escalation of internal strife within the party.
CREDIT: Allneeds, PUNCH
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