Umar Sani, Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, has warned that involvement of security agencies in the ongoing infighting within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could worsen the situation. .
Responding to PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum’s call for security personnel to go after those who are factionalizing the party, Sani said such an approach would heighten tensions and discourage resolution. He stressed that this could make it more difficult to find.
Damagum
Sani made the statement in an interview with Arise News after the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP issued a warning to suspended party members not to forcibly enter the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. announced.
The NWC had warned members of the faction led by National Treasury Secretary Yayari Mohammed that any attempt to violate security would be met with a firm response by security personnel.
“The involvement of security agencies in purely internal matters is beyond common sense,” Sani argued. “Efforts to resolve the issue have already begun within the party, and the introduction of security forces will only further complicate and deepen the crisis.”
Mr. Sani also emphasized the pivotal role of the PDP Governors Forum, saying it is the most influential pressure group within the party.
Wike vs Atiku
He noted that the forum had been largely inactive recently, but was now playing an important role in resolving the crisis.
“The issue has been oversimplified and many have branded it as a clash between Abubakar Atiku and Nyesom Wike,” Sani said.
“But the real driving force is the Governors Forum, previously dormant but now awake. The forum is actively working to resolve the crisis. Court orders may prevent officials from being removed from office. However, it cannot stop the suspension of party membership and the imposition of discipline.
Mr Sani cited concerns over the lack of disciplinary action against Wike, explaining that the committee had not been set up at the time of Wike's alleged offences.
However, following the recent establishment of a disciplinary committee led by Secretary Tom Ikimi, he urged party members to let the committee complete its work before jumping to conclusions.
“At the time Mr Wike allegedly violated party rules, there was no disciplinary committee,” Mr Sani said. “Now that we have set up a committee, let us give them time to do their job before we consider Wike to be above party rules and see if they recommend disciplinary action against him. Let’s see.”
NEC meeting
Sani further lamented the effects of intra-party conflict, saying that the PDP’s inability to resolve internal issues is hampering its effectiveness as the main opposition party.
“Instead of focusing on challenging the ruling party, we are fighting against ourselves. PDP is stagnant at a time when it should be the most vibrant opposition party,” he said.
He believes the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24 will be critical in determining the future direction of the party.
