PDP Criticizes Rivers Governor Fubara Over Party Control Dispute, Warns of Possible Disciplinary Action
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reprimanded Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his complaints regarding party control, despite previously rejecting an opportunity to manage the party structure.
The PDP has stated that it made numerous attempts to support Fubara, but he failed to mobilize his fellow governors and the National Working Committee (NWC) to back his leadership.
Ibrahim Abdulahi, the acting National Publicity Secretary, explained to Tribune Online that when a vacancy arose for the chairman of the Rivers State chapter, the NWC requested Fubara to propose a nominee. However, Fubara insisted that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, should make the nomination instead.
Abdulahi questioned when Fubara realized the need to control the party’s structure and denied any favoritism toward Wike from the national leadership. When asked why the PDP did not support Fubara in his conflict with Wike over party control, he noted, “This is a complex issue that cannot be easily addressed. The opportunities provided to Fubara by this party are exceptional for any member, let alone a governor.”
He emphasized that Fubara had several chances to take charge of the party’s structure, including nominating a state chairman, but chose to defer to Wike. Abdulahi remarked, “When did you start disregarding him as your leader to make those decisions?”
The PDP spokesperson expressed disappointment in Fubara’s leadership, contrasting it with Wike’s effective opposition during the Buhari administration. He highlighted Fubara’s difficulties in garnering support from fellow governors and the NWC.
Abdulahi warned that the PDP risks losing control of Rivers State due to local government councils shifting to the Action Peoples Party (APP), but he remains optimistic about the party’s chances of reclaiming its position by 2027.