Tensions escalated in Port Harcourt on Friday as a violent clash broke out between supporters of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat.
The confrontation followed an attempt by Fubara’s supporters to reclaim control of the party office, which had been seized by security forces after a court annulled the leadership of the Aaron Chukwuemeka-led PDP executive.
Vanguard reports that gunshots were fired during the altercation, with conflicting accounts about the source. Some witnesses claimed the gunfire came from security operatives stationed at the facility, while others pointed to political thugs linked to the opposing faction.
This latest flare-up stems from the recent court decision that ousted Chukwuemeka’s executive, deepening the rift between Fubara and Wike, whose faction remains adamant about retaining control over the state’s PDP structure.
With the party in the grip of a prolonged leadership struggle, tensions have been high as both sides attempt to assert dominance.
Security forces had been deployed to the secretariat following the court’s ruling, restricting access for Fubara’s supporters.
Despite the presence of law enforcement, Friday’s attempt by the governor’s camp to retake the premises ignited the violent clash, further intensifying the ongoing political crisis.
