PDP Rivers: Wike Nyesom Ezebunwa Now Leader, Changes Balance of Strength Ahead of LGA Elections in Rivers state.

In a dramatic turn of events, Wike Nyesom Ezebunwa, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory and leader of the GDI faction, has been confirmed as the leader of the People’s Democratic Party in Rivers State.This move is bound to have an effect on the party, most especially as it relates to the incumbent Governor, Similaye Fubara, who leads the Simplified group.Wike Nyesom Ezebunwa was ratified as the leader by the national leadership of the PDP; this sets the stage for anointing prospective representatives for an intense struggle for control at the local level. The next local government elections, scheduled for October, would serve as a litmus test of the Wike Nyesom Ezebunwa leadership and internal party dynamics. With Wike Nyesom Ezebunwa at the helm of affairs in the PDP, some kind of power shift seems to have taken place to loosen the tight grip Governor Fubara had on the party. The forthcoming local government elections will serve as a battle line for the two rival groups in the PDP. The outcome of the local government elections will give an insight into whether or not the party is united and ready for subsequent elections. Most internal divisions within the PDP may just be what the APC needs to at least give the ruling party a run for their money in the councils.The Labour Party can also take advantage of the situation to deepen their inroads into Rivers State by possibly forming strategic alliances with any dissatisfied elements of the PDP. Other parties, such as the ADC and the Social Democratic Party, SDP, may use a wait-and-see approach, but their main efforts shall be to win key local government areas. With Wike Nyesom Ezebunwa at the saddle, a realignment of forces is bound to happen within the PDP, and the local government elections will be that opportunity-one that puts his influence to test and that of the party’s housekeeping ability in managing internal conflicts.” Dr. Festus Adeniyi, Political Analyst.”The opposition parties must now seize this initiative to present a united front and capitalize on the PDP’s internal divisions.” Hon. Tonye Princewill, APC Chieftain.With the battle for the party structure of the PDP now at a fever pitch, the local government elections about to take place in Rivers State are about to wear a new dimension. Whatever the outcome, the reverberations of the local government elections will be of wide import on the prospects of the PDP and good governance in the state.This is a developing story; please refresh for updates.