South-South PDP in crisis as Govs clash with Wike, Orbih

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South is currently embroiled in a power struggle, with governors from the region at odds with former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and the party’s South-South National Vice Chairman, Dan Orbih.

At the center of the dispute is the controversial PDP zonal congress held in Calabar, which has been rejected by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Governors Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) have openly opposed the congress, demanding a fresh election or Orbih’s removal.

Despite mounting opposition, Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has stood firm, insisting that the congress was legitimate.

The situation is further complicated by legal disputes, as a Rivers State High Court had previously restrained the PDP from conducting the congress.

However, the election proceeded despite the court order, prompting the NWC to dismiss its outcome.

Party insiders suggest that the governors are unhappy with the process, as they believe their interests were sidelined in the congress that produced Orbih as chairman.

According to a senior party member, the governors are determined to resist Wike’s influence in the region, arguing that he has had his time and should no longer dictate the party’s affairs.

“They are working with the NWC to explore legal options and push for another congress that will reflect their interests. Wike and Orbih, along with those elected as zonal leaders, are likely to face strong opposition,” the source revealed.

Another party insider emphasized the growing tensions, stating, “The governors will not sit idly by. Wike cannot continue to act as though he controls the entire South-South. The crisis has now extended beyond Rivers State to the entire region.”