The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has accused some senior party leaders, including members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), of being behind the current crisis within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). Damagum, addressing the crisis, warned that actions from within the party could undermine the upcoming zonal congresses, a critical step for the party’s future.
Speaking candidly, Damagum explained that part of the ongoing issues within the NWC is being exacerbated by party leaders who should be working to unite the party. He called on party members to look inward, reflect on their actions, and recognize their role in the party’s troubles. “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 said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
He recounted instances where, as Chairman, he witnessed members of the NWC being summoned by certain leaders without his prior knowledge, signaling a lack of cohesion within the party leadership. “I’ll be sitting down at the chairman only to see my members called by certain leaders to visit certain places, without my knowledge,” Damagum lamented, signaling an erosion of trust and transparency within the party.
Despite the turmoil, Damagum reaffirmed that the PDP remains the only hope for Nigerians and must act quickly to address its internal challenges. Regarding the postponed National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, he said the governors had agreed in their last meeting to hold the meeting, which has already been rescheduled three times.
Earlier, Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the BoT, expressed his frustration over the ongoing crisis within the NWC and underscored the importance of the party putting personal interests aside. He stressed that the survival and progress of the PDP should be the priority for all party members. Wabara called for the NEC meeting to be convened as planned in February 2025, emphasizing the need for unity, discipline, and the election of credible leaders in the forthcoming Zonal Congresses.