The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has endorsed the Rivers State congresses, acknowledging Nyesom Wike’s position in the party’s leadership crisis.
The NWC, led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, made this decision at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
This move has dealt a rage to the PDP governors, who had called for a review of the Rivers State Congresses and affirmed current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s role as the leader of the PDP in the state.
The National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, initially scheduled for August to tackle burning issues, including Damagum’s substitution, was first moved to September 26 because some members were travelling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage. It has now been shifted to October 24.
A source revealed, “They have achieved their aim. 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.
“The Rivers State Congresses and those of other states were approved by the NWC. A few states where issues were identified were stepped down. For example, in Kogi, the Chairman and Deputy were not approved due to anomalies.
“Only the NEC can overturn the NWC’s decision on Rivers and other states. However, the NEC meeting, originally slated for September 26, has been postponed to October 24, which may not hold on that date. As it stands, Wike has defeated the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors Forum.”
