Wike may lose political structure as PDP vows to review congresses in Rivers, other states

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that the recently concluded state congresses in 12 states, including Rivers, were under review, adding that the review was not yet finalised.

The move indicates that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his faction which took over the party’s structure in Rivers might lose ground in the state chapter of the PDP.

At the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, it was resolved that efforts should resolve the congresses in the states where the process was still under dispute.

The state congresses, which took place last weekend, were mired in controversies in several states, including Rivers, Benue, Katsina, and Kogi.

In Rivers state, the congress was held despite an existing court order preventing the process. The congress was boycotted by the state governor and his supporters.

This has led to a dispute between the NWC that authorised the congresses and the PDP Governors Forum, which asserted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara should remain the party leader in the state.

However, the PDP has stated that the process was subject to review by the party’s organs.

The National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, told ThisDay: “There are processes and procedures for establishing state chapters and other party organs.

“We acknowledge that there are conflicting orders, and as a party of the rule of law, we strive to comply with court orders to avoid anarchy.

“When congresses are held, there are procedures, including the formation of an appeal panel to address any disputes. These issues are reviewed by the NWC, which will then make a decision.

“The process is not yet complete and will eventually be subject to ratification by the National Executive Committee (NEC).”

He noted that the review was not limited to Rivers State but to all affected states.

It was gathered that until the outstanding state congresses are completed and inaugurated, the proposed National Executive Committee meeting earlier scheduled for September 26 may not take place.