Some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives are demanding the resignation of the National Chairman, Umar Damagum, alleging that he is collaborating with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Led by Hon Ikenga UgoChinyere, these lawmakers are questioning the party’s silence on the political situation in Rivers State and President Bola Tinubu’s involvement.
They claim to represent around 60 opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly and believe that Damagum orchestrated the recent changes in local government leadership to undermine the party.
The lawmakers argue that under Damagum’s leadership, the PDP has been facing defeats in elections and court cases, accusing him of neglecting his duties as Chairman and favoring APC interests. They highlight a decision to extend the tenures of state and local government leaders through Caretaker committees, which Damagum allegedly manipulated by appointing APC members as PDP representatives in Rivers State and other states, jeopardizing the party’s future.
In order to provide clarity, we are representing a group of at least 60 opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly. Each of us secured our election victories independently, without any assistance or backing from the party’s leadership. It has become evident to us that this situation was orchestrated to increase the likelihood of our failure in the elections, as Damagum did not truly support our success.
Calls have emerged from within the National Assembly to address this issue. You are presented with the option to resign immediately, depart voluntarily, or face public disgrace within the party. A minimum of 60 members of the PDP in the National Assembly will sever ties with the Damagun leadership until he steps down from his position.
If, through any means, Damagun manages to retain his position with the support of his APC allies during the upcoming National Executive Committee meeting, the party is on a path towards its ultimate demise.
