PDP’s Full Support for Fubara Signals a Turning Point in Rivers State Politics

PDP’s Full Support for Fubara Signals a Turning Point in Rivers State Politics

The decision by the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to issue unambiguous support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara marks a crucial moment in Rivers State’s political saga. With internal crises, court rulings, and factional strife long-fracturing the party, today’s reaffirmation offers a chance not only for healing within the PDP, but a possible reset in how party leadership is asserted and defended.

What Led to This Strong Support

Over recent months, Rivers State has been embroiled in a political crisis. Factions within the PDP, especially those aligned with former governor and current Federal Capital Territory minister Nyesom Wike, have clashed publicly with Governor Fubara over control of the party’s machinery in Rivers. Disputes over ward, local government, and statewide congresses have resulted in conflicting court rulings.

In response, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) recently visited Fubara in Port Harcourt and officially declared him as the recognized leader of PDP in Rivers State. The NWC delegation included senior officials like Debo Ologunagba (National Publicity Secretary) and Ahmed Mohammed (National Treasurer), who asserted that Fubara’s leadership was settled not just politically, but legally, following the nullification of prior congresses by the courts.

At the state level, Rivers PDP leadership under Dr. Robinson Ewor (Chairman) and Dr. Field Nkor (Secretary) has also been publicly commended by party loyalists for “rebuilding” the party and supporting Fubara’s leadership.

Why It Matters

1. Legitimacy and Stability for PDP in Rivers

By rallying behind Fubara, the PDP is sending a strong message: court rulings matter, and party structures and leadership must align with legal outcomes. This has been a missing link in Rivers State PDP’s internal crisis. Declaring “full support” helps reduce ambiguity over who holds real power in the party hierarchy. A united front is essential for credible governance and electoral strategy going forward.

2. A Check on Factionalism

The Wike-aligned factions have had significant influence, sometimes overshadowing the formal party leadership in Rivers. The support from NWC and governors across the PDP signals that factional challenges may be less credible when contradicted by recognized party organs. It could also serve as a deterrent against extralegal interventions to seize control of party mechanisms.

3. Implications for 2027 Elections

Reconciliation and unity now potentially give the PDP a stronger base for the 2027 general elections. If the party can resolve internal disputes and present consistency, it stands better positioned to retain or capture seats and contest State and Federal roles more robustly. Party cohesion in Rivers State, a strategic region politically and economically, will likely have ripple effects throughout the South-South and beyond.

Challenges Still to Overcome

Full support, however, does not equate to instant peace. Key challenges remain:

• Implementation of Court Judgments: Some party members still question how readily internal party bodies will enforce high court or appeal court rulings that favour Fubara, especially regarding party congresses and ward-level control.
• Factional Loyalties and Patronage: Political loyalty in Rivers has long been structured around personal networks and patronage. Transitioning from loyalty to individuals (e.g., Wike) to loyalty to institutionalised party leadership (Fubara) needs more than declarations—it needs visible shifts in power, resources, and influence.

Public Confidence: Citizens have grown weary of internal party drama overshadowing governance. The real test will be whether the clarified leadership translates into consistent, transparent governance delivered to the people of Rivers State roads, education, security, health services, etc.

The PDP’s declaration of full support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara represents more than a tactical win. it is a potential turning point. It is a reaffirmation of the primacy of lawful party processes, and a chance to stabilize Rivers State politics. But declarations must be matched with action. If Fubara is to lead Rivers PDP into renewed relevance and trust, both the party machinery and its members must follow through with the roles, responsibilities, and obligations that leadership entails.