The internal struggle for dominance within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated as the National Working Committee (NWC), led by Illiya Damagum, faces mounting pressure to sanction certain members who are perceived to be opposing former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Reports indicate that the NWC has become deeply divided, with factions aligning either in support of Wike or advocating for the supremacy of the party’s constitution.
The rift within the leadership threatens to destabilize the PDP further as tensions rise between those loyal to Wike and those pushing for adherence to party rules, particularly concerning the Rivers State PDP congresses.
Sources close to the NWC revealed that an emergency meeting has been convened to discuss suspending the so-called “anti-Wike” members.
The members, according to insiders, have been vocal about the need to follow party regulations, which has put them at odds with Wike’s camp.
The perceived resistance from the faction has reportedly frustrated attempts to consolidate control of the PDP’s structure, especially in Rivers State, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A party source hinted that a powerful political figure is allegedly behind efforts to induce certain NWC members into pushing for the suspension of those critical of Wike.
The exact names of those targeted for suspension remain undisclosed, but the source expressed concern that no legitimate offence had been identified against these members other than their divergence in opinion from Wike’s faction.
“This move to suspend members who simply disagree with Wike’s camp could trigger a serious crisis within the party,“ the source said.
The battle for the control of the PDP’s Rivers State structure has been at the center of the conflict.
The dispute intensified earlier this year when Damagum and the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, wrote to the Court of Appeal, opposing the legal position of the party on the embattled 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Meanwhile, observers within the party are concerned that the current tension could severely impact the PDP’s ability to present a united front ahead of future elections.