Candidates who ran for House of Assembly seats under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner in the 2023 elections have accused some members, including supporters of former Presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, of harming the party.
The candidates, in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, called for the resignation of the acting national chairman of the PDP, Amb Ilya Damagun, to allow for the appointment of a new substantive leader, News About Nigeria reports.
According to the statement, signed by various party members including Hon. Salahudeen Lukman and Hon. Mahee Umar Gatawa, the PDP needs to take a firm stance against disloyalty and anti-party activities.
The group condemned actions by loyalists of Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike which they say undermine party unity and integrity, calling for their punishment.
“It is incumbent on us to remind the public that those members of the party who are currently causing conflict have benefited greatly from the party’s agenda in their political careers.
“From humble beginnings as councilors to positions as chairmen, Governors, members of the National Assembly, and even national officers, they have had the party’s support.
“It is terribly regrettable that these same individuals are now contributing to the perpetuation of the leadership crisis, which is threatening to sink the party’s ship in the attempt to satisfy their pay masters.
“The forum categorically condemns any acts of disloyalty and anti-party activity, particularly in Rivers, Lagos, Ekiti, Enugu, Oyo, Benue Kebbi and elsewhere. Any relationship with political opponents at the state or national level that undermines the party’s unity and integrity is unacceptable and must be sanctioned.”
They also urged National Assembly members considering leaving the party to reconsider.
Recall that some days ago, a group of at least 60 members of the House of Representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced their intention to leave the party unless the acting National Chairman, Umar Ililya Damagum, steps down immediately.
The announcement was made during a press briefing at the National Assembly by Honourable Ugochinyere Ikenga and five other lawmakers.
They demanded Damagum’s resignation to make way for a replacement from the North Central region, as stipulated in the party’s constitution. The lawmakers accused Damagum of effectively surrendering the PDP’s leadership to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC) and prioritizing personal gain over the party’s interests.
