The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly responded to recent threats made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, amidst the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.
During a state congress at the PDP Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, August 31, 2024, Wike threatened to “put fire” in the states of PDP governors who support his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The two have been in conflict over control of the state’s political structure since Fubara assumed office in 2023. Wike’s comments were directed at governors who, he claimed, were attempting to take control of the PDP structure in Rivers and return it to other factions.
In response, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, made it clear that no individual, regardless of their influence or position, is bigger than the party. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Ologunagba emphasized the supremacy of the party, stating, “What I can tell you is that nobody is above this party. It is the People’s Democratic Party.”
He also noted that the party had established reconciliation and disciplinary committees to address internal disputes and would act based on their findings. Despite Wike’s acceptance of a political appointment from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after his tenure as Rivers State governor, Ologunagba reiterated the PDP’s commitment to maintaining its integrity and unity.
This response underscores the PDP’s stance that internal party discipline and cohesion are paramount, even when faced with high-profile challenges from within its ranks.