PDP Reps split over NEC’s decision on Damagum
The members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the House of Representatives are not on the same page with the decision by the National Executive Committee of the party to allow the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum to run the affairs of the party until August 15, 2024.
Although the NEC’s decision is a victory for the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike who is gunning for the soul of the party ahead of the 2027 general election, a group of lawmakers sympathetic to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to fight on until Damagum is made to leave office.
Earlier in the month, while addressing the media, the lawmaker representing Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, on behalf of 60 PDP lawmakers, called for the removal of Damagum for alleged anti-party activities.
They also accused him of working closely with the ruling party to weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 polls.
However, at the NEC meeting held recently, the Ugochinyere-led group failed to achieve its goal as NEC gave Damagum another opportunity to preside over its next meeting scheduled for August 15.
This has led to insinuations in the pro-Damagum camp that calm has finally returned to the PDP House caucus.
Speaking on whether the aggrieved camp has accepted NEC’s decision in good faith, a member representing Obokun/ Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, Oluwole Oke answered in the affirmative saying, “Yes, I think so.”
He however added that instead of going to the press like they did, the aggrieved members should have consulted widely within the larger PDP caucus in the House for better collation of input.Related News
He said, “What the Ugochinyere group achieved is to reawaken the party and minority leadership to their responsibility. However, their approach could have been better handled if they had properly consulted.
“They would have been advised to write and put their position in black and white, request the leadership to convey a meeting and if the leadership fails, then they could go out. All the same, but all the same, we have improved and we are now a better group.”
Oke’s optimism appears misplaced as Ugochinyere told Saturday PUNCH that the extension granted to the PDP Acting National Chairman is unacceptable to his group.
He said, “Damagun is on a transition to handing over in August but we are not comfortable with the three-month extension. We are going to meet to explore either more advocacy or a legal route. When we meet, you will hear from us.”
Following the withdrawal of the suit challenging his suspension as the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu was lauded for his patriotism and sacrifice for the party.
As a result, the Ugochinyere group is demanding that a chieftain of the party from the North Central zone succeeds Ayu.
Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam and ex-Senate President, Bukola Saraki have been linked with interest in the office.
- The Punch
