The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagum, has said the crisis rocking the main opposition party is being fuelled by leaders who should be uniting its members.
Speaking to members of the Board of Trustees in Abuja on Wednesday, Damagum emphasised that he would do everything in his power to ensure the PDP National Executive Committee meeting takes place in February, as requested by the party’s Governors’ Forum and other organs.
The PDP has been in turmoil both during and after the 2023 elections.
Many party members have blamed Damagum, a close ally of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, for the ongoing unrest within the party.
The crisis has severely affected different levels of the party’s structure, leading to increasing tension and division.
At present, the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and Zonal and State Chapters are all embroiled in conflicts, with members aligning themselves with various leaders rather than the party itself.
Commenting on the unresolved crisis, Damagum, who described the situation as unfortunate, accused some BoT members of contributing to the turmoil.
He stated, “I want to say this with the highest sense of responsibility: part of the crisis within the NWC today is being driven by leaders who should be uniting us.
“It is very unfortunate. I will say it as it is. Some of you here have been NWC members, so you understand how it works. Yet, I sit as the chairman and see my NWC members being called by certain leaders to visit specific places without my knowledge.
“I want to use this opportunity to caution our leaders. You may have ambitions, but you do not ride a dead horse to reach your destination. If you create a crisis simply to further your ambition, you may achieve your goal, but your dream will not be realised because you will have injured the very vehicle meant to carry you forward.
“As the conscience of this party, some of us are also complicit. We must look inwards and examine our actions.
“This party is dear to all of us — it is all we have. Nigerians today place their hope in the PDP, so we must put aside our differences and work towards unity to build a credible platform capable of challenging the problems facing our nation.”
The Acting National Chairman urged party leaders not to take any actions that could disrupt the ongoing processes for the Zonal Congresses.
He continued, “At our last meeting with the governors, we all agreed to hold a NEC meeting. I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to ensure this NEC meeting holds in February.
“You are all aware that we have started the process for Zonal Congresses. Even so, I urge our leaders to be cautious and avoid actions that could jeopardise these congresses. This is crucial because whatever we do now will shape the structure of our party going forward.”
In his remarks, BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara expressed frustration over the ongoing crisis and warned party leaders against prioritising personal ambitions over the party’s well-being.
He stated, “This meeting comes at a time when the unity, direction, and ideals of our great party are being tested in ways that demand reflection and decisive action.
“First, let me express my profound disappointment over the crises currently affecting the leadership of the National Working Committee.
“As elder statesmen and women, entrusted with the faith of our party members and the public, it is disheartening that these issues remain unresolved.”
He added, “The failure to address these internal conflicts weakens our party’s strength and credibility. The NWC must rise above personal interests and prioritise the survival and progress of our great party.
“In light of these challenges, I must stress the urgent need for a National Executive Committee meeting.
“I once again urge the NWC to honour its commitment and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled in February 2025. Party members nationwide eagerly expect this meeting to take place.
“The NEC remains the highest decision-making body of our party, and it is essential that we convene without further delay to tackle these pressing concerns.
“This NEC meeting will provide a platform to reaffirm our commitment to the unity, discipline, and values that bind us as members of the PDP.”
