The PDP Governors Forum has publicly declared its support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, asserting his position as the PDP leader within the state. This stance comes amidst a political crisis involving Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over control of the party's structure in Rivers State. Here's a breakdown of the situation based on the information available up to September 4, 2024:
- **Support for Fubara**: The PDP Governors' Forum has not only backed Fubara but has also urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP to ensure that Fubara is recognized as the rightful leader of the party in Rivers State. This support was reiterated in various forums and meetings, aiming to resolve the ongoing political disputes.
- **Intervention and Statements**: The Forum, led by Senator Bala Mohammed, has made multiple statements emphasizing peace and resolution of internal conflicts. They've pledged to engage with the NWC to potentially correct any anomalies from the party congresses, aiming to solidify Fubara's leadership.
- **Wike's Reaction**: In response to the governors' support for Fubara, Wike has made threats, warning of repercussions against PDP-controlled states that support Fubara. However, these threats have been dismissed by the PDP governors as irresponsible and unacceptable, highlighting a significant rift within the party leadership.
- **Public Sentiment and Media Coverage**: Posts on X and statements from various sources reflect a narrative where the PDP Governors Forum's support for Fubara is seen as an attempt to maintain party cohesion and leadership stability in Rivers State. Critics and observers, like Dan Ulasi, have noted that while the governors' stance is commendable, it might also be divisive within the party.
- **Implications for PDP**: This internal conflict has broader implications for the PDP, potentially affecting its unity and strategy for future elections. The insistence on Fubara's leadership by the governors could lead to a showdown with the NWC, especially if there's resistance from factions loyal to Wike.
- **Current Status**: As of the latest updates, the PDP Governors Forum remains committed to ensuring Fubara's position as the party leader in Rivers State, indicating a firm stance against any attempts to undermine his leadership by recognizing Wike's influence over the party structure in the state.
This situation underscores the internal dynamics and power struggles within political parties in Nigeria, particularly how leadership disputes can escalate to threaten party unity and influence broader political landscapes.