There is currently tension in the South-South division of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a fierce power struggle is currently ongoing between the region’s governors in the party and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, along with South-South PDP National Vice Chairman, Dan Orbih.
At the centre of the crisis is the controversial PDP zonal congress held in Calabar, which has been disowned by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Governors Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) have strongly opposed Wike and Orbih’s involvement in the congress, calling for either a fresh election or Orbih’s removal.
Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has insisted that the congress was legitimate and remains defiant despite mounting pressure from the governors.
The legal battle surrounding the congress further complicates the dispute, as a Rivers State High Court had previously restrained the PDP from proceeding with it. However, the Congress went ahead despite the legal order, prompting the NWC to reject its outcome.
Meanwhile, senior party officials revealed that the interests of the South-South governors were not protected at the zonal congress that produced Orbih as the chairman.
“The governors are unhappy that a congress was held in their zone without their involvement. The four governors cannot tolerate Wike dictating to them in the South-South; they believe he has had his time, and now it is their turn to decide who leads the PDP in the region.
“They are working with the NWC to explore legal options and hold another congress that will represent their interests. They are determined to take action against Wike, Orbih, and the individuals elected as the party’s zonal leaders,’’ a party official told Punch.
Another insider added further insight into the governors’ battle plan, saying, “The governors will not just stand by. Wike cannot continue to act like a demigod. The crisis has now spread from Rivers State to the entire South-South.’’
