Despite efforts by top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stabilize the party amid internal strife, especially in the wake of the recent suspension battle within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). , tensions remain high.
There is still no clear solution for the beleaguered opposition, with several prominent members of parliament from various states calling for the removal of the acting national speaker, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum.
Sources revealed to the Nigerian Tribune that some of the founding members of the party, particularly those from the North-Central region, perceived their geopolitical zone to be deliberately excluded from leadership roles. He says he is dissatisfied with what he is doing.
These MPs claim that the party’s constitution requires that national chairmanships be concentrated in the north-central region, and are demanding that seats be returned to that region.
A senior PDP official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that key figures in both houses of the National Assembly support taking back the position from Damagum, and that there is a growing consensus among political actors in the north-central region.
“Although we have only one governor from North Central, our political community is united in demanding the return of the national chairmanship to us,” the official said.
Former Plateau State House Speaker Hon-Istiphanus Mwansat urged party elders to take immediate action and expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved at the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. .
“Damagum has overstayed its welcome. This position belongs to the North-Chinese camp and it is time for our leaders to step up and reclaim this position,” Mwansat asserted.
Mr. Damagum’s suspension has already garnered support from several PDP MPs and party members, who have praised the NWC’s decision to suspend Mr. Damagum and his allies.
These members expressed concern over the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s alleged attempts to create a one-party state, but expressed hope that the PDP would regain its footing under new leadership. was maintained.
However, a recent court order by Judge Peter Riff complicates matters, preventing the NEC and the Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Mr Damagum as acting chairman.
Nevertheless, the PDP spokesperson, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, maintained that the court order was issued after Mr. Damagum’s suspension and therefore has nothing to do with the current situation.
As the PDP’s internal crisis deepens, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro has revealed that the party’s parliamentary caucus will meet on Wednesday to seek a solution.
He expressed hope that the impasse, mainly due to the 2023 general elections and the dissatisfaction of G5 governors, will be resolved soon.
“The crisis originates from within us, but we are working towards lasting peace,” Moro said.
Meanwhile, key figures in the party in regions such as Bauchi, Ekiti and Anambra prefer to remain silent on the issue and wait to see how things unfold.
In contrast, the Benue State chapter of the PDP is seeking to maintain the status quo until the NEC meeting scheduled for October 24, with one of its national chairman candidates, Mr. Konrad Terheide Utahn, seeking temporary support from Damagum. He has expressed support for his continued appointment.
