Umar Damagum, the acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has emphasized that the party is prepared to demonstrate to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers state, that no one is above the party. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Damagum responded to questions, indicating that individuals engaging in anti-party actions, including Wike, will face consequences from the party leadership when deemed appropriate.
Amid accusations of anti-party activities during the recent general elections, PDP stakeholders have criticized Wike, urging Damagum to take necessary actions. The political turmoil in PDP-controlled Rivers State has also been linked to the actions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Damagum stated, “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. 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 clarified that Wike has not denied being a PDP member. He mentioned the upcoming constitution of the committee for the party’s 2023 review, which will submit a report and recommend suitable penalties for individuals involved in 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.
