The acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has unequivocally stated that the party is prepared to demonstrate to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, that he is not above the party.
Addressing questions at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Damagum emphasized that individuals engaging in anti-party actions, including Wike, would face consequences from the party leadership in due course.
This declaration follows criticism from various PDP stakeholders who accused Wike and others of involvement in anti-party activities during the recently concluded general elections, urging Damagum to take appropriate action.
The political turmoil in PDP-controlled Rivers State has been attributed to Wike, further intensifying the need for decisive action. Damagum clarified, “Our stand about Wike, I have always said this thing that as long as you are a member of the PDP, there is a time for everything. My duty is to stabilize this party and not to cause a crisis. And I will continue to do that within the confines of reason.”
He continued, “When things go out of hand, we will act. But meanwhile, we still see it within the ambit of the law. Mind you, we have other litigation going on in this party and we won’t want to plunge our party into another crisis.
And let me tell you something, it’s not only Wike, there are other people who worked against this party. When we get to that level, we will sanction everybody. If Wike believes he is above this party, we will be able to show him that he is not above this party.”
Damagum revealed that Wike, who has never denied his PDP membership, and other individuals engaging in anti-party actions would be subject to the recommendations of the committee responsible for reviewing the party’s activities in 2023.
The committee, yet to be constituted, will submit a comprehensive report suggesting suitable penalties for those found guilty of anti-party actions.
“They are to review what happened in 2023 and come out with a report not only about one person but every person who has in one way or another engaged in anti-party. Then after that, we will see what kind of measure to take,” he added.
