Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has called for Nyesom Wike’s exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure the party’s survival.
In an open letter to Umar Damagum, acting chair of the PDP, Clark expressed his concerns about Wike’s influence on the party and Rivers State.
News About Nigeria reports that Clark accused Wike of attempting to use his closeness to President Bola Tinubu to exert control over Rivers State.
He emphasised that Wike’s departure from the PDP is necessary for the party’s well-being.
Clark criticised Damagum for his actions, which he believes were influenced by Wike.
He alleged that Damagum and the national secretary were working against the party’s interests.
He also condemned Wike’s desire for control, stating it was unconstitutional and against the principles of democracy.
The PANDEF leader criticised Damagum’s attempt to legitimise the actions of Rivers lawmakers loyal to Wike.
He accused Damagum of conspiring with detractors to harm the PDP.
The rift between Wike and Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers governor, has led to a crisis in the state House of Assembly.
The crisis began with the defection of 27 lawmakers from the PDP to the APC.
The lawmakers’ loyalty is divided between Wike and Fubara, leading to a factional assembly.
The Rivers Assembly has 32 seats. One lawmaker, Dinebari Loolo, died in September 2023.
In October 2023, Ehie Edison was elected speaker of the factional assembly, after his removal as house leader by members led by Martin Amaewhule amid the plot to impeach Fubara.
Edison later resigned as a lawmaker to become chief of staff at Fubara. The lawmakers in the Amaewhule-led faction are loyal to Wike.
