The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iliya Damagum, has firmly defended his actions and decisions amidst growing criticism, stating that he remains undeterred despite the challenges. Damagum’s remarks come as he addresses internal party conflicts and speculations about his potential bid for the presidency in 2027.
During a recent event in Abuja, Damagum addressed the controversy surrounding a letter he wrote to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt. The letter, co-signed by the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has faced criticism from various quarters.
However, Damagum emphasized that he consulted widely before taking the step and is not intimidated by the backlash.
“Just because the chairman and secretary signed a letter, it has become an issue. People are making all sorts of insinuations about it. I don’t want to engage with the other person – it’s a distraction,” Damagum said, referring to critics who have questioned the move.
He asserted that his actions were in the best interest of the party. “I’ve always been proud of that. My door has always been open. So, nobody is going to intimidate me into abdicating my responsibility,” Damagum added.
Despite the negative publicity, Damagum noted that the attention has inadvertently increased his popularity. “Honestly speaking, I’ve started contemplating throwing myself into the ring and vying for the presidency of this country,” he revealed. He emphasized that his focus remains on stabilizing the party and ensuring its success.
The PDP recently inaugurated its reconciliation and disciplinary committees, with Damagum urging the members to act impartially. Senator Adolphus Wabara, chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), also stressed the importance of these committees in maintaining the party’s integrity.
Wabara charged the committees to work without fear or favor. “Whatever decisions or actions you will take, failure of which, in my considered opinion, will lead to Nigeria becoming a one-party state. This is the beginning because without an opposition, there is no democracy,” Wabara stated.
In related developments, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory and a prominent PDP member, has vowed to remain in the party despite ongoing disputes. Wike, who is marking his first year in office as minister, dismissed rumors that he might defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I have told you that I don’t run away from any fight. I will stay there and I will fight it out in the PDP,” Wike asserted during a media chat. He rejected the notion that he is working to undermine the party, describing such claims as unfounded.
Wike also addressed concerns about recent defections among his loyalists. “Those are people who don’t have anything to say,” he said, referring to accusations that some of his supporters had joined the APC. He emphasized that the situation is still before the courts and dismissed suggestions that he was working against the PDP’s interests.
The PDP has faced significant internal strife over the past year, with disputes arising over party leadership and direction. The party has struggled with issues related to governance and internal democracy, which have been exacerbated by factional disagreements and public controversies.
Damagum’s tenure as acting National Chairman has been marked by heightened scrutiny, with critics questioning his leadership decisions. The letter to the Court of Appeal and the controversies surrounding it reflect broader concerns about the party’s internal cohesion and its ability to address legal and organizational challenges.
Senator Adolphus Wabara’s role as chairman of the BoT involves overseeing the party’s strategic direction and ensuring that it remains a viable opposition force in Nigerian politics. His call for transparency and impartiality from the reconciliation and disciplinary committees is crucial for maintaining the party’s credibility and unity.
