The political landscape within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a contentious turn as 60 members of the House of Representatives, all belonging to the PDP, called for the resignation of the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. This demand emerged amidst the ongoing political rivalry between Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Siminalayi Fubara.
The lawmakers accused Damagum of remaining silent amid the political crisis between Wike and Fubara in Rivers State, implying his alignment with Wike’s faction and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They specifically criticized Damagum for allegedly supporting the pro-Wike lawmakers seeking to impeach Fubara.
Furthermore, the lawmakers accused Damagum of orchestrating the extension of the tenure of Rivers State Local Government Area Chairmen, who are believed to be loyal to Wike. They alleged that Damagum collaborated with the APC to manipulate caretaker committee appointments in several states, thereby undermining the PDP’s interests.
The group demanded Damagum’s immediate resignation and advocated for the emergence of a new PDP Chairman from the North Central zone, in accordance with the party’s constitution. They warned of potential reconsideration of their party membership if their demands were not met.
Moreover, the lawmakers criticized Damagum for the party’s loss of states in the South-East and failures to address legal challenges faced by PDP lawmakers in various states.
The absence of the Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, who is associated with the FCT Minister, at the briefing further fueled speculations about the extension of the Wike-Fubara feud beyond Rivers State.
The allegations against Damagum and the demand for his resignation underscored the deepening divisions and power struggles within the PDP, raising concerns about the party’s unity and effectiveness as an opposition force.
