The political landscape in Rivers State has become even more tumultuous as the internal crisis within the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) shows no signs of abating.
The rift within the party was highlighted last Saturday when Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and key members of the state House of Assembly boycotted the state congress held in Port Harcourt.
The congress, supervised by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and attended by federal and state party representatives, saw a notable presence from former Governor Nyesom Wike, who made strong statements regarding his influence and intentions.
The ongoing division within the Rivers PDP has become more pronounced following the state congress.
Governor Fubara’s absence at the event is seen as a significant snub to the party’s leadership, especially given that the congress was heavily endorsed by Wike, who played a pivotal role in its organisation.
The congress was held under the watchful eyes of INEC representatives, including the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), as well as members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC).
Despite the high-profile attendance, the governor’s and his deputies’ absence was a clear indication of the deepening rift within the party.
Nyesom Wike, who attended the congress, used the platform to make a series of provocative statements.
Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), did not hold back in expressing his dissatisfaction with any perceived interference from other state governors in Rivers politics.
His remarks suggested a readiness to escalate the conflict if necessary.
“If the governor said he does not want us, will you kill yourself? Will you run away from the party you built?” Wike asked rhetorically.
He assured his supporters that the party’s structure remains under his control and warned other governors against attempting to undermine it.
Wike’s fiery speech also included threats against those who might interfere with Rivers State’s political affairs.
He stated, “I will put fire in their state,” a clear reference to his capacity to incite political turmoil in any state that meddles in Rivers politics.
He further emphasised his influence within the PDP, stating, “I have the capacity to cause crisis. When God has given you peace, you said you don’t want peace. Then whatever you see, you take.”
Wike’s comments reflect his determination to maintain his grip on the party’s structure and his willingness to confront anyone who challenges his authority.
The state congress resulted in the election of Chief Chukuemeka Aaron as the new chairman of the Rivers PDP. Aaron’s appointment, while seen as a victory for Wike’s faction, may further alienate Governor Fubara and his supporters, who have openly criticized the process and the outcomes of the congress.
The PDP has long been a dominant force in Rivers State politics, but recent events have exposed significant fractures within the party.
The party’s internal conflict has been exacerbated by the power struggle between factions loyal to Wike and those aligned with Governor Fubara.
Wike, who served as Rivers State governor before Fubara, has been a central figure in the PDP’s state and national politics.
His departure from the governorship and subsequent move to the federal capital as an FCT minister have not diminished his influence within the party.
