In a recent address to the PDP Mobilisers Group in Abuja, the acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, acknowledged the presence of members involved in anti-party activities during the 2023 elections. Contrary to expectations, Damagum announced that the National Working Committee (NWC) under his leadership would not resort to suspension or dismissal of disloyal members but rather focus on reconciliation and unity within the party.
Damagum disclosed, “The NWC had approved setting up a committee to review and reconcile all aggrieved members.” This move comes in response to calls from some stakeholders within the PDP urging Damagum to take disciplinary action against individuals, including the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for their alleged involvement in anti-party activities during the recently concluded general elections.
The party chairman explained his stance, emphasizing the party’s commitment to reconciliation and its aversion to potential damage caused by punitive measures. He stated, “The party was more interested in reconciliation and bringing more people into the party than sanctioning anyone for alleged anti-party activities, which may destroy the party because many were involved.”
Discussing the painful defeat in the 2023 presidential election, Damagum revealed the NWC’s plan to review not only the recent polls but also the outcomes of the 2015 and 2019 elections. He acknowledged the internal criticisms within the party and addressed concerns about leadership decisions, stating, “I have been seeing the agitations within our platforms saying the NWC was not doing this or doing that. This is an opportunity for me to explain.”
Damagum defended the NWC’s cautious approach, explaining the delicate balance between leadership responsibilities and party stability. He expressed, “When you are in a position of leadership, you are bound by a set of rules, and these rules, even though they are itching you, you don’t apply them; not because of anything, but so that you don’t destroy the house.”
In response to potential criticism, Damagum highlighted his commitment to the party’s well-being, stating, “I believe in this party, I believe that this party is the best in this country.” He also touched upon his personal journey within the PDP, stating, “I am very proud to say that this party was started by me as a driver. Today, I am the acting national chairman by the grace of God.”
Regarding the concerns raised about the party’s leadership, Damagum unveiled a proactive measure, stating, “The NWC has already come up and approved a 2023 election review and reconciliation committee.” This committee will investigate and form subcommittees to review the 2023 election and the previous ones from 2015 to 2019. Damagum emphasized the importance of these reviews in informing future decisions.
He acknowledged the prevalence of anti-party activities but urged patience, saying, “If I said we should start suspension, I will end up suspending many people because they were involved in anti-party activities. So, please bear with us. We intend to keep this party together and to manage it. This is my mandate.”
Damagum reiterated the party’s inclusive vision, stating, “When a substantive chairman comes, he can decide to suspend or dismiss anybody. But myself as somebody who loves this party, somebody who started this party, I think we need even those from the other side to come back and join.”
