Ibrahim Manga, the interim national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of declining a pivotal opportunity to take control of the political structure in the state. According to Manga, Fubara was offered a rare chance by the party, but he refused to assume the leadership role.
Manga stated, “The kind of opportunity given to Fubara by this party is unprecedented. It’s the sort of privilege you rarely see given to any party member, whether a governor, president, or any other leader. But Fubara declined, citing that he could not make decisions while Nyesom Wike, the former governor, was still alive.”
He also alleged that Fubara’s refusal to lead stemmed from his reluctance to replace the PDP’s state chairman in Rivers, instead deferring the decision to a higher authority in Abuja. Manga highlighted that this was the root of the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The PDP spokesperson further suggested that Governor Fubara, alongside Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, may face disciplinary actions for alleged anti-party activities during the recent Rivers Local Government Area (LGA) elections. Manga pointed out that neither Fubara nor his allies were seen supporting PDP candidates during the election and that Fubara’s participation in the inauguration of opposition officials was a direct violation of party loyalty.
“This is clear anti-party conduct, and we are watching closely. How can a sitting PDP governor inaugurate opposition officials and celebrate with them? This action alone undermines the party’s integrity,” Manga said, adding that the PDP would carefully consider disciplinary measures to avoid harming the party’s unity.
The internal rift within the PDP continues to raise concerns as the party navigates leadership disputes and allegations of disloyalty.
