Politics

South-South PDP Faces Crisis as Governors Clash with Wike, Orbih

Published by Tope Fakinlede on February 26th, 2025.

South-South PDP Faces Crisis as Governors Clash with Wike, Orbih

The South-South chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently embroiled in a heated power struggle between the region’s governors and key party figures, including former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and South-South PDP National Vice Chairman, Dan Orbih.

At the heart of the conflict is the contentious zonal congress held in Calabar, which the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has officially disavowed. The congress has become a flashpoint, with the South-South governors—Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom—voicing strong opposition to Wike and Orbih’s roles in the event. They are demanding a fresh election or Orbih’s removal from office.

Despite significant resistance, Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stands by the legitimacy of the congress, remaining defiant in the face of growing pressure from the governors.

Complicating matters is an ongoing legal battle. A Rivers State High Court had earlier issued an injunction barring the PDP from proceeding with the congress, yet the event continued, leading the NWC to reject its results.

According to sources within the party, the governors are upset that the zonal congress, which led to Orbih’s election as chairman, took place without their involvement or consent. “The governors are frustrated that a congress was held in their region without their participation. They feel Wike has had his time and now it’s their turn to have a say in the leadership of the party in the South-South,” one insider explained.

The governors are now working closely with the NWC to pursue legal avenues, aiming to hold another congress that aligns with their interests. The source added, “The governors are committed to taking action against Wike, Orbih, and the newly elected zonal leaders. They won’t stand by and let this issue slide.”

Another party official emphasized the growing tension, stating, “The governors won’t allow Wike to dominate the region any longer. What began as a conflict in Rivers has now expanded across the entire South-South.”