The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has officially affirmed Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State.
The affirmation came following a closed-door meeting between Fubara and the NWC members at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday night.
The National Treasurer of the PDP, Ahmed Mohammed, speaking to newsmen after the meeting, praised Fubara’s leadership in stabilising the party in Rivers.
The pronouncement by the NWC represents a major blow to the camp of Fubara’s predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
Fubara and Wike have been engaged in a political feud since October 2023, which saw the party factionalised.
Recently, the court nullified congresses conducted by the Wike camp, restoring the leadership of the Rivers PDP to Fubara.
Speaking on Thursday, the PDP National Treasurer, Mohammed, commended Fubara’s commitment to protecting the party from forces seeking to destabilise it.
“There was a court ruling that dissolved the purported party congresses held in the state, and other leaders were appointed to pioneer affairs of the party,” Mohammed explained. “We came to appreciate the doggedness of the governor in ensuring that the PDP is becoming more stabilised and focused in Rivers State.”
Mohammed explained that the visit to Fubara was part of the NWC’s ongoing series of consultative meetings with governors and party leaders elected under the PDP.
“These meetings aim to exchange ideas and explore strategies to reposition the party for future success. Prior to meeting with Fubara, the NWC had visited Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa,” Mohammed said.
He also highlighted the significance of the recent Rivers High Court judgment that annulled the controversial ward, local government, and state congresses held last year. He said the ruling further confirmed Fubara’s position as the leader of the PDP in Rivers.
“We came to appreciate the doggedness of the Governor in ensuring that the PDP is becoming more stabilised and focused in Rivers State,” Mohammed reiterated.
As part of their visit, the NWC members also updated Nigerians on the recent Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated Sir Ude Okoye as the National Secretary of the PDP.
Mohammed assured party members that the NWC fully supports Okoye and would continue to work with him to transform the party.
“We will continue to work with him and also request the support and backing of the governors. As you are aware, up to this moment, no court has set aside the ruling of the Court of Appeal,” Mohammed stated. “This case does not have any stay of execution or similar orders, so members of the NWC are in agreement to work alongside the current National Secretary of the party to ensure that the PDP becomes more transformed and prepared across the board.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Mohammed expressed confidence in the PDP’s future. “Come May 2027, PDP will bounce back,” he declared.
By Dennis Naku @ThePUNCH
