Umar Damagum, the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that the National Working Committee (NWC) under his leadership will refrain from suspending or dismissing any ‘disloyal’ member. This statement follows recent calls from some PDP stakeholders urging Damagum to take action against individuals, including former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, for alleged anti-party activities during the recent general elections.
Addressing the PDP Mobilisers Group in Abuja, Damagum dismissed the calls for sanctions and revealed that the NWC had approved the establishment of a committee to review and reconcile all aggrieved members. He emphasized the party’s focus on reconciliation and expanding its membership rather than punishing alleged anti-party activities that could harm the party.
Damagum clarified, “They are always telling you these people are not doing the right thing. But 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.”
He also described the 2023 presidential election defeat as “most painful” and cautioned party members against engaging in a blame game. Damagum highlighted the party’s commitment to a thorough review of the 2023 elections and reconciliation efforts, expressing his belief in the strength of the PDP.
Acknowledging that some members were involved in anti-party activities at various levels, Damagum stated, “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.”