Wike Triumphs as PDP NWC Approves Rivers Congresses, Postpones NEC Meeting

In a significant development within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Working Committee (NWC) has granted control over Rivers State to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, further intensifying the ongoing leadership battle.

Wike’s loyalists within the NWC successfully maneuvered to postpone the much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for September 26, to October 24. This delay provides Wike with an opportunity to consolidate his influence within the party.

The NWC’s approval of the congresses held in Rivers State, along with several other states, has sparked discussions about Wike’s increasing hold on the party. A source within the PDP commented, “Wike has again defeated the PDP governors as the NWC approved the Rivers and other states’ congresses. There was nothing a few NWC members who were against it could do other than allow them to have their way. As it stands, only the NEC can overturn it to suit the governors’ demands.”

Notably, some states, such as Kogi, had their congresses stepped down due to irregularities, particularly in the selection of their Chairman and Deputy. However, the Rivers congresses and others have received full endorsement from the NWC, a decision that only the NEC can reverse.

Wike’s victory also represents a setback for the PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. With the NEC meeting now delayed, there are growing speculations that Wike has effectively outmaneuvered the governors’ attempts to challenge his growing dominance within the PDP.