Kehinde Fajobi
The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Damagum, has accused some of the party’s leaders, including members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), of being complicit in the ongoing crisis within the National Working Committee (NWC).
During his opening remarks at the 78th BoT meeting in Abuja, Damagum warned his fellow leaders against actions that could undermine the party’s upcoming zonal congresses.
He also appeared to respond to a speech delivered earlier by BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara.
Damagum stated, “I want to say this with the highest sense of responsibility, part of this crisis that you see today within the NWC, is propelled by our leaders who are supposed to unite us.”
He urged party members to introspect, saying, “As the conscience of this party, some of us are also complicit. We should look inwards, and search our conscience. This party is dear to all of us, it is the only thing we have.”
He further expressed frustration with the situation: “It’s very unfortunate, I would say it the way it is, where people are called, we all know the working of NWC, some of you here have been NWC members.”
Damagum revealed his discomfort with certain actions, saying, “I’ll be sitting down at the chairman only to see my members called by certain leaders to visit certain places, without my knowledge.”
He continued, “Each one of you, if you are the chairman, will find it difficult. And I want to use this opportunity to caution us, caution our leaders.”
Damagum warned that ambition should not lead to chaos: “You may have ambition, but you don’t ride on a dead horse to reach your destination.
“If you create a crisis simply to further your ambition, you may get what you want, but your dream will not be realized, because, by that time, you have injured the horse you are going to ride to that destination.”
Despite the internal struggles, he emphasised that the PDP is the only hope for Nigerians, saying, “We should sheath our swords, work towards uniting ourselves so that we’ll have a credible vehicle that can challenge what is bedevilling us.”
On the postponed National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Damagum reassured members, stating, “At the last meeting we had with the governors, we all agreed we’ll have NEC. I want to assure you that we’ll do everything possible to have this NEC in this February.”
He stressed the importance of the zonal congresses, adding, “Even at that, I enjoin our leaders to also be mindful of doing anything that can mar these congresses.”
Earlier, BoT Chairman Senator Wabara expressed his disappointment at the ongoing crisis in the NWC, stating, “It is disheartening that these issues have not been resolved.
“The failure to resolve these internal conflicts undermines the strength and credibility of our party.”
Wabara further called for the urgent convening of the NEC meeting, emphasizing, “The NEC remains the highest decision-making body of our party, and we must convene without further delay to address these pressing concerns.”
He also appealed for unity, stating, “Let us ensure that the processes are free, fair, and transparent so that the outcome reflects the collective will of our members.”
While discussing the need for credible leaders, he reminded everyone, “Despite the challenges we face, let me reiterate that the PDP remains the hope of Nigerians.”
Tensions within the party escalated when loyalists of PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, clashed with supporters of Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye, who claims to hold the same position. The altercation led to physical confrontations, and security operatives intervened to restore order. By the time of the report, armed soldiers, DSS operatives, and policemen had been deployed to the scene.