While this decision is seen as a win for Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
By Musa Ibrahim
The members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the House of Representatives are divided over the National Executive Committee’s decision to let Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum lead the party until August 15, 2024.
While this decision is seen as a win for Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who aims to control the party before the 2027 elections, a faction of lawmakers supporting Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is determined to oust Damagum.
Earlier, Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency, Imo State, spoke for 60 PDP lawmakers, calling for Damagum’s removal due to alleged anti-party activities and collusion with the ruling party to weaken the PDP before 2027.
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Despite their efforts, the NEC granted Damagum the chance to lead until August 15, causing some to believe that peace has been restored within 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 suggested that rather than resorting to press releases as they did, the disgruntled members should have engaged in extensive consultations within the broader PDP caucus in the House to gather input more effectively.
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 hopeful outlook seems unfounded, as Ugochinyere said that his group finds the extension given to the PDP Acting National Chairman unacceptable.
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.”
After the lawsuit contesting his suspension as the PDP National Chairman was withdrawn, Iyorchia Ayu was praised for his dedication and selflessness towards the party. Consequently, the Ugochinyere group is calling for a party leader from the North Central zone to succeed Ayu. Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and former Senate President Bukola Saraki have been mentioned as potential contenders for the position.
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