According to reports, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) camp led by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike plans to confront those opposed to the party’s efforts to retain the position of Acting National Chairman, Umaru Damagum. It is reported that
Naija News reports that four governors, Mr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Mr. Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Mr. Caleb Mutofan (Plateau) and Mr. Agbu Kefas (Taraba) are in support of Damagum and are in line with Wike. It was reported.
However, PDP Governors Forum Chairman Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Rivers State Governor Simu Hubala and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke are reportedly opposed to Damagum continuing in his acting capacity. are.
Ever since Damagum was appointed acting national chairman following the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorukia Ayu, he has faced criticism from the party leadership and calls for his resignation have grown.
In an interview with Mr. Punch, the PDP leadership claimed that the Wike faction had finalized plans to suspend some opponents.
The official said Wike’s faction will move in the coming days to expel or suspend members of the opposition camp, especially those loyal to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar at the state, local government and ward levels. It has been announced that the following measures will be taken.
The party member also said Wike’s camp targeted Ikenga Ugochinyere, representative of Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency in Imo State, for criticizing the FCT Minister and the Damagum-led NWC.
The source claimed that Mr Ugotinyere’s ouster was part of a broader strategy by the Wike faction to consolidate power by eliminating or silencing opposition.
“There is a deliberate plan to oppose not only party members but also ordinary people who are against their interests,” the official said.
In response, NEC member and deputy national youth leader Timothy Osador dismissed the claims, saying it was normal for individuals to pursue their own aspirations.
“I would like to believe that this is in the realm of speculation. At the end of the day, people want their own aspirations and ideals to take precedence,” he said.
“Therefore, if some believe that the Damagum-led NWC is underperforming, it is not surprising, as not all PDP members are of the same mind. Therefore, the Damagum-led I see no reason for the NWC to use its position to target anyone. The only thing I believe Mr. Damagum is doing is trying to reconcile issues within the party and its members. That’s what I’m doing.”
Similarly, NEC member for North Central and immediate past PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, commended the board for supporting the call to elect a substantive national chairman from the zone.
“We commend the central bank for supporting North Central’s call to appoint a successor to complete Mr Ayu’s term,” he said.
Also, former party secretary, Umar Ibrahim Tsauri, expressed confidence that the PDP would overcome its internal challenges.
He said: “PDP is a political party founded by Nigerians and for Nigerians. Regardless of the issues at hand, it is a party that cannot afford to succumb to internal crises. We will always find ways to overcome them. .”
