A dramatic scene unfolded in Bayelsa State as a physical altercation between a state lawmaker and a known political ally of Minister Nyesom Wike was captured on video and has since gone viral. The footage, which is circulating across social media platforms, reveals a deepening political rift within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South region.
In the now-viral clip, Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, the Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, is seen engaged in a heated physical struggle with the Ogbia Ward 8 Coordinator of the pro-Wike group, NEW Associates. The altercation appears to take place in public, with onlookers attempting to intervene as tensions flared.
The video was shared online by George Turnah, a former legal adviser to the PDP in the South-South and a well-known loyalist of Minister Wike. Turnah has recently been suspended by the Bayelsa PDP, and sources say his ongoing conflict with Governor Douye Diri may have contributed to the tension that led to the public fight.
What Led to the Clash?
The altercation is believed to have stemmed from disagreements over a planned pro-Wike rally scheduled to take place in Yenagoa on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The rally, organized by members of the NEW Associates, has reportedly drawn sharp opposition from factions aligned with Governor Diri.
Despite both Wike and Diri being prominent PDP figures, their rivalry for control over the party’s structure in the South-South has been an open secret. Governor Diri currently chairs the South-South Governors’ Forum, a position that further amplifies the political stakes.
Sources familiar with the internal dynamics say the scuffle between Ogbara and the NEW Associates coordinator may have been a result of failed negotiations or escalating tensions ahead of the rally. The video shows the two men shouting before grappling with each other in a heated exchange that shocked observers.
Political Tensions Escalate in Bayelsa
The incident highlights the ongoing power struggle within the PDP, particularly in Bayelsa State, where factional battles are now spilling into public view. Analysts say the brawl is symptomatic of deeper unrest within the party and may impact the cohesion needed ahead of future elections.
George Turnah, in his post accompanying the video, accused Governor Diri’s loyalists of attempting to suppress freedom of association and stifle pro-Wike activities in the state. The PDP at the state level has yet to issue a formal response regarding the fight or the scheduled rally.
Why You Should Watch the Video
This isn’t just another political squabble—it’s a rare, raw look into the real-life fallout of intra-party conflict in Nigeria’s political landscape. The video serves as a powerful visual of just how tense things have become, and watching it offers deeper insight into the unfolding drama within the PDP.
WATCH: Bayelsa Lawmaker and Wike Ally Caught on Video Exchanging Blows Amid Political Tension
A dramatic scene unfolded in Bayelsa State as a physical altercation between a state lawmaker and a known political ally of Minister Nyesom Wike was captured on video and has since gone viral. The footage, which is circulating across social media platforms, reveals a deepening political rift within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South region.
In the now-viral clip, Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, the Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, is seen engaged in a heated physical struggle with the Ogbia Ward 8 Coordinator of the pro-Wike group, NEW Associates. The altercation appears to take place in public, with onlookers attempting to intervene as tensions flared.
The video was shared online by George Turnah, a former legal adviser to the PDP in the South-South and a well-known loyalist of Minister Wike. Turnah has recently been suspended by the Bayelsa PDP, and sources say his ongoing conflict with Governor Douye Diri may have contributed to the tension that led to the public fight.
▶️ [Watch the intense video of the clash here]
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What Led to the Clash?
The altercation is believed to have stemmed from disagreements over a planned pro-Wike rally scheduled to take place in Yenagoa on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The rally, organized by members of the NEW Associates, has reportedly drawn sharp opposition from factions aligned with Governor Diri.
Despite both Wike and Diri being prominent PDP figures, their rivalry for control over the party’s structure in the South-South has been an open secret. Governor Diri currently chairs the South-South Governors’ Forum, a position that further amplifies the political stakes.
Sources familiar with the internal dynamics say the scuffle between Ogbara and the NEW Associates coordinator may have been a result of failed negotiations or escalating tensions ahead of the rally. The video shows the two men shouting before grappling with each other in a heated exchange that shocked observers.
Political Tensions Escalate in Bayelsa
The incident highlights the ongoing power struggle within the PDP, particularly in Bayelsa State, where factional battles are now spilling into public view. Analysts say the brawl is symptomatic of deeper unrest within the party and may impact the cohesion needed ahead of future elections.
George Turnah, in his post accompanying the video, accused Governor Diri’s loyalists of attempting to suppress freedom of association and stifle pro-Wike activities in the state. The PDP at the state level has yet to issue a formal response regarding the fight or the scheduled rally.
Why You Should Watch the Video
This isn’t just another political squabble—it’s a rare, raw look into the real-life fallout of intra-party conflict in Nigeria’s political landscape. The video serves as a powerful visual of just how tense things have become, and watching it offers deeper insight into the unfolding drama within the PDP.
📹 [Click here to watch the full video and judge for yourself.]
