Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared support for the suspension of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Umar Damagum, insisting that acts of impunity within the party can no longer be tolerated.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Wike said it was time the PDP put an end to internal misconduct and held members accountable for their actions.
“We cannot continue to allow impunity,” Wike stated. “The problem we are having in the PDP today is that the kind of money in the hands of governors is so much. I commend the President for allowing so much money in the hands of states — which has never happened — but this money should be used for the development of our states, not to destroy the same party that made you who you are.”
The crisis within the PDP escalated on Saturday when a faction loyal to Wike, led by suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, announced the suspension of Damagum and five other members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Anyanwu’s move came just hours after he himself was suspended by the NWC during an emergency meeting. At a press briefing shortly after, he announced the suspension of Damagum; the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba; Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyenguikoro; National Youth Leader, Sulaiman Kadade; and Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo.
Wike, who has been a vocal critic of the party’s leadership, reiterated that the PDP must rid itself of impunity if it hopes to regain public confidence and reposition itself as a viable opposition.
The deepening internal divisions highlight ongoing power struggles within the party as factions jostle for control ahead of future elections.
