In a dramatic display of defiance, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dared the National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), asserting that there will be no other South-South zonal congress in the party. Wike’s bold statement came after his faction of the PDP, loyal to his leadership, proceeded with the South-South zonal congress in Calabar, Cross River State, on Saturday, despite a court order that had restrained the exercise.
The court order, issued by a High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, had placed an injunction on the congress, barring it from taking place. However, the legal restraint was no match for Wike’s resolve. Alongside his political allies, including former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, Wike participated in and voted at the congress, signaling his undeterred stance. This move escalated tensions within the PDP, a party already beset by internal disputes.
Wike’s unwavering confidence came through when he addressed the gathering, making it clear that the congress, which was held without the participation of the PDP NWC, was final. In a message to the delegates, Wike emphasized that there was no clause in the party’s constitution that mandated the postponement of the congress due to external factors like a wedding or travel commitments. “There has never been a congress where every delegate was present. I want to assure you that this is the final zonal congress of the South-South Zone,” Wike stated resolutely.
“I Am Not Intimidated”
In a statement that left little room for ambiguity, Wike boldly told the delegates, “Nobody can intimidate me, and I don’t need to be a governor to do my job.” He expressed his firm belief in the strength of the South-South region, labeling it “the strongest zone of the PDP in Nigeria” and reinforcing that the congress was the legitimate expression of that strength.
“The South-South Zone has always been and will always be the strongest zone of the PDP,” Wike declared, rallying support for the newly elected zonal officials. “We are not new to this,” he said, pointing to his political legacy and the experience that his team brought to the table. His comments were a clear signal that his camp had no intention of backing down despite the opposition from the NWC.
PDP NWC’s Disagreement
The decision to go ahead with the congress, despite the court ruling, has put Wike and his supporters at odds with the PDP’s NWC, which has distanced itself from the gathering. The party’s national leadership, through a statement, reiterated that the congress in Calabar was not recognized, emphasizing that the PDP had not sanctioned or conducted any South-South zonal congress.
“The Peoples Democratic Party has not conducted the South-South Zonal Congress, and we are not in any way involved in the gathering that took place in Calabar,” said a spokesperson for the NWC. This declaration underscores the growing rift within the party, as the NWC’s refusal to acknowledge the congress threatens to exacerbate the division between Wike’s camp and the party’s leadership.
A History of Political Defiance
Wike’s latest move is not the first time he has publicly clashed with the leadership of his party. Over the past years, the former governor of Rivers State has often been at the center of controversy, positioning himself as a formidable force within Nigerian politics. His consistent defiance of authority, coupled with his strong influence in the South-South region, has earned him both staunch supporters and vocal detractors.
It is widely believed that Wike’s actions are driven by a deep sense of loyalty to the PDP and the desire to preserve the party’s relevance and influence in the region. Many of his supporters view his stance as a necessary pushback against what they perceive as weak leadership within the party’s NWC. “Wike is the backbone of the PDP in the South-South. Without him, the party might not have the same political weight in this region,” said one political analyst, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Wike’s Impact on the PDP’s South-South Politics
The South-South region, historically a stronghold for the PDP, has always played a crucial role in the party’s fortunes. Wike’s stronghold in Rivers State, alongside his influence in other parts of the region, has made him a key figure in determining the party’s future in the area. However, his continued defiance against the party’s leadership raises questions about the future of his relationship with the PDP, as well as the party’s ability to maintain unity in the face of such internal challenges.
“I’m not here to make trouble for anyone,” Wike told delegates at the congress, “but we cannot allow external forces to dictate our destiny.” His words were a direct challenge to the party’s national leadership, making it clear that, for him and his supporters, the South-South zone would not be sidelined or ignored.
A Growing Rift: The Future of the PDP
While Wike’s actions have bolstered his image as a champion for the South-South zone, they have simultaneously deepened the rift within the PDP. The party, once united under a common goal, now finds itself embroiled in a battle for control and relevance. With the NWC’s refusal to recognize the congress in Calabar, the party risks alienating a significant portion of its base in the South-South.
For now, Wike’s message remains clear: the South-South Congress is final, and no further congress will take place. His challenge to the PDP leadership raises critical questions about the party’s cohesion and its ability to navigate internal power struggles without sacrificing its long-term survival. As the political drama unfolds, all eyes will remain on Wike and his loyalists, whose next move could reshape the future of the PDP in the South-South and beyond.
