The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Damagum, has accused some party leaders, including members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), of contributing to the ongoing crisis within the National Working Committee (NWC).
Damagum issued this warning during the 78th BoT meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, cautioning against actions that could undermine the forthcoming zonal congresses.
In his remarks, Damagum criticized some party leaders for interfering with NWC activities without his knowledge.
“I say this with the highest sense of responsibility, part of this crisis is propelled by our leaders who are supposed to unite us. Some of us are complicit. We must search our conscience,” he stated.
He further cautioned against creating internal divisions for personal ambitions, warning that such moves could damage the party’s future.
Despite the challenges, Damagum emphasized that the PDP remains the hope of Nigerians, urging leaders to unite and strengthen the party ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in February 2025.
Earlier, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the BoT, expressed disappointment over the unresolved leadership crisis within the NWC.
He urged the NWC to prioritize the survival of the party by convening the NEC meeting without further delay and ensuring credible zonal congresses.
“The NEC meeting will reaffirm our shared commitment to unity and discipline. Despite challenges, the PDP remains the hope of Nigerians,” Wabara emphasized.
The meeting was marred by violence when loyalists of the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, clashed with supporters of Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye, who also claims the position.
Emmanuel Okoronkwo, an aide to Anyanwu, physically removed Ude-Okoye from the hall, prompting Ude-Okoye’s supporters to scale the Secretariat fence in a bid to force their way back inside.
Security operatives managed to temporarily contain the situation, but tensions remained high.
A detachment of armed soldiers in five pickup trucks later joined DSS operatives and policemen to maintain order.
The BoT meeting continued as security operatives secured the premises.
Sahel Reporters News