NIGERIA: PDP National Leaders Rally Behind Fubara Amid Rivers Crisis

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s position as the party’s leader in Rivers State.

This signalled a united front amidst internal divisions following a court ruling that nullified last year’s party congresses in the state.

Key members of the National Working Committee (NWC), led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, visited Governor Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday night for a closed-door meeting.

The visit underscored the party’s efforts to stabilise its ranks and reassert Fubara’s authority.

Speaking after the meeting, PDP National Treasurer Ahmed Mohammed described the engagement as part of a broader strategy to realign the party for success in the 2027 elections.

He emphasised the NWC’s confidence in Fubara’s leadership, highlighting his role in fostering unity and strengthening the party’s position in Rivers State.

“The National Working Committee stands firmly with Governor Fubara as the leader of the PDP in Rivers State.

“This visit is a testament to our collective resolve to rebuild and reposition the party for future victories,” Mohammed said.

The visit also addressed the recent reinstatement of Ude Okoye as the PDP National Secretary by the Court of Appeal.

Mohammed urged stakeholders and governors to rally behind Okoye to ensure stability within the party.

The nullification of the Ward, Local, and State congresses by a Federal High Court has intensified divisions within the Rivers PDP.

The congresses, won by allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were marked by conflicting court orders. In the aftermath of the nullification, an interim leadership committee has been formed to oversee party affairs in the state.

This crisis has prompted multiple interventions, including a recent meeting between Governor Fubara and PDP Youth leaders from across the country.

The youth leaders expressed their support for Fubara, emphasising the need for unity and reaffirming his role as the party’s leader in Rivers State.