The Tanimu Turaki-led leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has officially collapsed its structure into the faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, marking a major development in the state’s political landscape.
The announcement was made on Friday by Robinson Nname Ewor, the chairman of the Turaki-led faction, during a visit by Wike to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).
“Today, I’m handing over the Chairmanship, leadership of that faction to Aaron Chukwuemeka. PDP is no longer factionalized in Rivers State. PDP is under one Chairman and under one leadership, under the FCT leader,” Ewor said.
This decision effectively ends the longstanding rivalry between the two PDP factions in Rivers State, uniting the party under the Wike-aligned leadership. The Turaki-led faction had previously been a separate structure within the state, creating tension and competition over party activities and political influence.
The Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State has been divided into rival factions for several years, with the Turaki-led group and the Wike-aligned faction often clashing over leadership, party strategy, and control of local party structures.
Factional disputes in Rivers PDP have historically influenced candidate selection, local government administration, and party alignment in national elections. Analysts note that such divisions weaken the party and create opportunities for rival parties to gain political ground.
The merger comes at a time of renewed political tension between PDP members and the state government led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Ewor accused Governor Fubara of misleading PDP members by claiming he could defeat Wike in the ongoing political contest in Rivers State.
“Governor Fubara has been deceiving PDP members with claims that he has the capacity to defeat Wike. That is not the truth,” Ewor said, highlighting the party’s resolve to remain united under Wike’s leadership.
The statement reflects the ongoing rivalry between the PDP and APC in Rivers State, where the APC has been attempting to consolidate its influence amid Wike’s continued political prominence.
Nyesom Wike has remained a key figure in Rivers politics since his tenure as Governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023. Despite leaving the governor’s office, Wike continues to wield significant influence within the PDP and among local government leaders.
“This development signals the end of prolonged factional disputes in Rivers PDP and consolidates the party under a unified leadership loyal to Wike,” said a political commentator in Port Harcourt.
The collapse of the Turaki faction into Wike’s camp effectively resolves internal conflicts that have hindered PDP activities in the state. It also clarifies the leadership hierarchy, with Aaron Chukwuemeka recognized as the chairman under Wike’s guidance.
By consolidating factions, the PDP in Rivers may now focus on policy advocacy, party mobilization, and candidate preparation without the distraction of internal disputes. Analysts suggest that the merger could enhance party discipline, reduce confusion among supporters, and improve voter engagement.
The merger raises questions about the future role of Tanimu Turaki’s group in the state. While Ewor formally handed over leadership to the Wike-aligned faction, it remains unclear whether Turaki himself will play an active role in party politics or act as a senior advisor to the unified structure.
Political watchers believe that Turaki’s acceptance of the merger may signal a strategic retreat, aimed at maintaining influence while avoiding further conflict within the party.
“Turaki’s faction joining Wike’s camp is a pragmatic move. It ensures that the PDP speaks with one voice in Rivers State,” said a senior political analyst.
Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s oil-producing states, has been a key battleground for political parties due to its economic importance and large electorate. Control of the state is seen as strategically significant for both PDP and APC, especially in national elections.
Factionalism within the PDP has historically affected the party’s performance in local and federal elections, and the recent merger may help to consolidate its position. With a unified leadership, the party may now better coordinate grassroots campaigns, mobilize supporters, and counter APC influence across the state.
The APC, under Governor Fubara, has been attempting to expand its base, making the PDP merger a timely move to strengthen opposition strategies. Political analysts argue that the unified PDP could now present a formidable challenge to APC in upcoming local, state, and national contests.
With the merger complete, PDP members in Rivers State are expected to realign their strategies, focusing on unity and coordinated political action. Leaders like Aaron Chukwuemeka are likely to play key roles in steering the party forward under Wike’s guidance.
The collapse of the Turaki-led structure into the Wike-aligned faction is a clear signal that internal divisions can be resolved through negotiation and strategic alignment, strengthening party cohesion and political influence in the state.
“Rivers PDP is no longer divided. It is under one leadership, and that leadership is loyal to Wike,” Ewor concluded, highlighting the significance of the merger.
