Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has reaffirmed Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s position as the party leader in Rivers State.
On Tuesday night, the PDP Governors’ Forum chairman stated that his affirmation aligns with the resolutions and agreements made by the party’s National Working Committee and the Governors’ Forum.
He emphasized that this decision is rooted in the party’s established practice of recognizing the sitting governor as the party leader in their respective state.
A leadership crisis has been emerging in Rivers State between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The crux of the dispute lies in control over the PDP structures within the state.
Wike, a dominant figure in Rivers politics, has publicly accused Fubara of ingratitude and of trying to dismantle the political framework that facilitated his rise to power. He has vowed to withdraw his support for Fubara, alleging lies and a lack of appreciation for those who assisted him.
The conflict has persisted for some time, highlighted by the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last year, which they attributed to Fubara’s alleged mismanagement of funds.
Tensions have escalated, with Wike appearing to gain an upper hand in the PDP leadership struggle, as the National Working Committee (NWC) has lent its support to him.
However, Governor Bala insists that the party leadership stands firmly behind Fubara as the recognized leader of the PDP in Rivers State, maintaining that the party’s structure will work to his advantage.
He stated, “We had extensive discussions on the need for collaboration between the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and the National Working Committee to address issues resulting in litigation and other unresolved matters at the table.
“It is within this context that we collectively affirm the importance of the rule of law and urge our delegations to endorse the position of the PDP Governors’ Forum in Rivers State.
“We have an established practice whereby any elected governor from the party is recognized as the party leader, ensuring the sustainability of the party’s structure.
“On behalf of the Governors’ Forum, we are deeply appreciative of the National Working Committee, led competently by the legal adviser. We also addressed lingering legal matters, and I took this opportunity to convey our gratitude to the acting national chairman, emphasizing that any committees set up for reconciliation and disciplinary issues should operate in a manner that fosters consensus and agreement.”
