Politics
PDP Governors Lose As NWC Hands Wike Rivers Control
In a decisive move that fortifies his position within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has secured a significant victory in the ongoing party leadership crisis.
The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) has officially endorsed the Rivers State congresses, a key decision amidst the party’s internal strife.
This endorsement was confirmed during a meeting held at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja on Thursday.
The approval not only solidifies Wike’s influence but also led to the postponement of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for September 26.
The rescheduled date for the NEC meeting is now October 24, a delay that could potentially prevent any immediate challenge to the NWC’s decision.
The NWC, under the leadership of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, has been navigating a turbulent period within the party.
The internal conflict escalated particularly after the PDP Governors Forum publicly supported current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara over Wike, who is a former governor of Rivers State.
This move by the PDP governors came on August 24, igniting further tension within the party.
Wike’s dissatisfaction with the situation was made public when he threatened on August 31 to instigate unrest in the states of the governors who interfered in Rivers State affairs.
The PDP Governors Forum condemned this threat as irresponsible on September 3, further deepening the rift within the party.
A senior NWC member, who requested anonymity due to a lack of official authorization, disclosed to Punch that the approval for the Rivers State and other state congresses was granted despite the ongoing tensions.
The NEC meeting, initially scheduled to address pressing issues, including the potential replacement of Damagum, was first postponed from August to September 26 to accommodate members travelling for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. It has now been rescheduled to October 24.
The source stated, “They have achieved their aim. Wike has again defeated the PDP governors as the NWC approved the Rivers and other states’ congresses. There was nothing a few NWC members who were against it could do other than allow them to have their way. As it stands, only the NEC can overturn it to suit the governors’ demands.
“The Rivers State Congresses and those of other states were approved by the NWC. A few states where issues were identified were stepped down. For example, in Kogi, the Chairman and Deputy were not approved due to anomalies.
“Only the NEC can overturn the NWC’s decision on Rivers and other states. However, the NEC meeting, originally slated for September 26, has been postponed to October 24, which may not hold on that date. As it stands, Wike has defeated the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors Forum.”
Politics
Breaking: Diri Orders Autopsy on Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s Death, Warns Against Politicisation
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Diri gave the directive on Saturday while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Reacting to the incident, the governor condemned what he described as widespread misinformation and speculation on social media, warning against any attempt to politicise the deputy governor’s death.
“I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicise his death. In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the passing of our dearly beloved deputy governor,” Diri said.
“If anyone truly loves him, this is the time to show it. I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on on social media.”
The governor further urged the public to focus on mourning and honouring the late deputy governor, noting that the state government had declared three working days of mourning in his honour.
“If anyone is issuing statements to eulogise him, let it end there. Let us mourn him because Bayelsa State is in a mourning mood,” he added.
Governor Diri also called for unity and love among the people, reminding them of the inevitability of death.
Speaking during the condolence visit, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a committed and dedicated individual who played a key role in the activities of his foundation.
“For me, he was someone my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programs,” Jonathan said, adding that Ewhrudjakpo worked tirelessly in that role, even more than when he served as deputy governor.
Politics
N1.4 Trillion not enough to get me into politics – Bishop Oyedepo reveals
The founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has said he will never take part in partisan politics, not for even billions of naira.
He stated that no amount of money, including “$1 billion,” (1.4 Trillion naira) would make him join politics.
Oyedepo made this known during an impartation service at Shiloh 2025 held at the church’s headquarters in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.
He explained that partisan politics is not part of his life’s calling and that is why he has chosen to stay away from it.
In his words: “In 2015, I warned the church that trouble was coming. Didn’t trouble come?
“Partisan politics is off my calling. If you give me $1 billion to join politics, I won’t, because it is off my course.”
The bishop also said the world is in urgent need of God’s intervention because of the times we are living in.
According to him, believers are being trained as an end-time army to bring solutions to national and global problems, similar to what biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel did.
EVENTS
Wike at 58: “You’re a Shinning Star in my Cabinet, Tinubu hails Wike.
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.
President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.
The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.
President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.
President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025
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