The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has emphatically asserted that no member, including former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is above the party’s authority. Damagum issued this statement during a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, addressing concerns about alleged anti-party activities.
Responding to questions, Damagum hinted at impending sanctions for individuals involved in activities contrary to the party’s interests. The PDP leader clarified that the party’s leadership is closely monitoring the situation and will take appropriate action at the right time.
This development follows calls from PDP stakeholders urging Damagum to address and penalize Wike and others allegedly involved in anti-party activities during the recently concluded general elections. Simultaneously, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has been implicated in the ongoing political crisis in PDP-controlled Rivers State.
Damagum emphasized, “Our stand about Wike is clear. 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. When things go out of hand, we will act.” He also alluded to ongoing litigation within the party, expressing the need to avoid further internal conflicts.
The PDP National Chairman warned that individuals, including Wike, who believe they are above the party, will be shown that they are not. Damagum outlined the party’s commitment to ha
ndling matters within the confines of the law and avoiding unnecessary disputes.
Damagum disclosed that the party’s yet-to-be-inaugurated 2023 review committee will play a crucial role in addressing these concerns. The committee is tasked with examining the events of the 2023 elections and presenting a comprehensive report. Damagum stressed that the report would include recommendations for appropriate sanctions against those found to have engaged in anti-party activities.
“We will sanction everybody who worked against this party. If Wike believes he is above this party, we will be able to show him that he is not above this party,” Damagum asserted.
The PDP leader concluded by emphasizing the importance of the committee’s findings, suggesting that the party would take measured steps based on their recommendations to maintain internal cohesion and discipline.