The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains united in Rivers State, despite ongoing tensions involving himself, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other party members. Wike made these remarks on Wednesday during a media session with journalists in Abuja, amid a backdrop of political challenges that have drawn national attention.
“PDP is united in Rivers,” Wike stated, urging all aggrieved party members to resolve their differences. He emphasized that the party recently conducted ward and local government congresses smoothly, pointing to this as evidence of PDP’s internal cohesion in the state.
The former Rivers State governor and influential PDP figure was appointed FCT Minister by President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) government following his tenure as governor, which concluded in May 2023. Tensions, however, have persisted between Wike and his political successor, Governor Fubara. The rift escalated last year when Fubara narrowly avoided impeachment by lawmakers loyal to Wike, an incident that has fueled speculation about internal divisions within the party.
The ongoing standoff has seen the Rivers State House of Assembly, with several pro-Wike lawmakers, override the governor on significant bills. The oil-rich state has been at the center of political conflict, with observers questioning the future of the party’s unity and influence in the region.
Wike’s call for reconciliation within the PDP suggests an attempt to stabilize the party amid these challenges, as the FCT Minister works to address tensions that could impact the party’s stability and strength in Rivers State and beyond.