In a dramatic turn of events, 60 members of the House of Representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called for the immediate resignation of the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
The demand comes amid escalating political tensions between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
The lawmakers attributed their call for Damagum’s resignation to his alleged silence regarding the ongoing political crisis between Governor Wike and Governor Fubara in Rivers State.
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The conflict between the two governors has been brewing since last October when 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike attempted to impeach Fubara, a move fiercely resisted by the governor.
While an intervention by President Bola Tinubu temporarily calmed tensions, recent developments suggest a resurgence of hostilities, indicating a breakdown in the previous agreement brokered by Tinubu.
The 60 PDP lawmakers accused Damagum of aligning with Wike and collaborating with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a party responsible for Wike’s ministerial appointment. They alleged that Damagum supported the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers seeking to impeach Governor Fubara.
Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Representative Ikenga Ugochinyere criticized Damagum for his inaction and alleged involvement in plots against Governor Fubara. He called for Damagum’s immediate resignation, emphasizing the need for a new chairman from the North Central zone as stipulated in the PDP’s constitution.
The lawmakers also accused Damagum of manipulating caretaker committee memberships in Rivers State and other states to serve APC interests, jeopardizing the integrity of the party.
Despite the absence of Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, reportedly an ally of Governor Fubara, at the briefing, the lawmakers remained resolute in their demand for Damagum’s resignation.
Meanwhile, tensions within the PDP extend beyond the party’s leadership crisis. Governors elected on the party’s platform are reportedly divided over who will replace Damagum and complete the tenure of the suspended National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
Former Benue State governor Gabriel Suswam has emerged as a prominent contender for the party chairmanship, with uncertainties surrounding the prospects of ex-Kwara State governor Bukola Saraki due to constraints posed by the party’s rules.
The PDP’s 98th National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for April 18 is expected to address these contentious issues and determine the party’s direction moving forward. As the power struggle intensifies, the future of the PDP hangs in the balance, with significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape.
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