Tensions Escalate as Wike’s Comments Stir Controversy Within PDP

A fresh wave of internal strife is brewing within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following controversial remarks by the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The heated dispute revolves around control of the party in Rivers State, with Wike warning that any attempts by other PDP governors to interfere would be met with severe consequences.

While addressing party members at the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt during a state congress on Saturday, Wike made it clear that the PDP structure in Rivers was untouchable, cautioning those seeking to challenge it.

“I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states. When God has given you peace, and you say you don’t want peace, then you’ll have to deal with the consequences,” Wike declared.

His remarks were seen as a direct response to the PDP Governors’ Forum, which had called for a review of the recent state congress results to restore the leadership of incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The forum, led by its Chairman, Bala Mohammed, made this appeal during their convention in Taraba State on August 23.

This political rift between Wike and Fubara has caused significant tension within Rivers State, splitting the state’s House of Assembly into two factions, each led by a different Speaker loyal to either Wike or Fubara. Despite attempts by President Bola Tinubu and other prominent figures to mediate, neither side has shown willingness to back down.

Reacting to Wike’s statements, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, downplayed the threat, asserting that no individual could dismantle the party. Abdullahi emphasized that the PDP had weathered greater challenges in its 25-year history and would continue to stand strong.

“Those were his entitled personal opinions at most. They don’t constitute threats to the PDP, which has survived even worse machinations 25 years down the road. No single individual has the capacity to terminate the life of this party, PDP,” Abdullahi stated.

The Osun State chapter of the PDP also criticized Wike’s comments, urging him to focus on his duties as a minister rather than meddling in party affairs. Oladele Olabamiji, Director of Media and Publicity for the Osun PDP, labeled Wike’s remarks as “reckless and irresponsible.”

“Governor Fubara is a PDP governor. On that premise, it is out of place for Wike to threaten PDP governors for supporting one of their own. We urge PDP governors to protect one of their own,” Olabamiji said.

Additionally, Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara, called on security agencies to investigate Wike’s comments, arguing that such threats could incite unrest across multiple states.“As an elder statesman, nobody will expect that he will make such utterances,” Gbara noted.

“Threatening that you are going to cause crises in 13 states out of the 36 states in Nigeria means planning to cause crises in the entire country.”

Gbara dismissed Wike’s claims of control over the PDP structure in Rivers State, asserting that Governor Fubara is firmly in charge and enjoys majority support. He added that the ongoing legal disputes over the state congresses would eventually be resolved in court, but maintained confidence that Fubara would emerge victorious.

“In the end, we know that he will carry the day. The structure of PDP will be given to the right person like it has always been in the state,” Gbara concluded.