JUST IN: PDP crisis gets messier as Damagum fires back at Edwin Clark over call to suspend Wike

PDP crisis gets messier as Damagum fires back at Edwin Clark over call to suspend Wike

 

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis has taken a new turn after the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, on Wednesday, advised the leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Chief Edwin Clark, to avoid sentimen in addressing issues.

Damagum’s call followed Clark’s demand for the exit of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from the party.

 

In an open letter, Clark accused the minister of using his closeness to President Bola Tinubu to exert pressure on the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the party.

 

However, Damagum in a statement urged the elder statesman to reflect on his age and refrain from public disputes.

He said: “I will borrow Olisah Metuh’s remarks from 2015 when Edwin Clark left the party.

 

“There’s no doubt that he is an elder statesman. But I thought that when you reach that age, God has given you the opportunity and wisdom to be a father to all, not to engage in public arguments.

“He has all it takes to do the needful, not by taking a sentimental approach to the situation. I was not raised to disrespect elders, so I don’t intend to dwell on this further.”

 

The exchange highlights the deepening divisions within the PDP with Clark calling for Wike’s exit and Damagum cautioning against sentiment.

The party’s leadership faces a daunting task in reconciling the warring factions and restoring unity.

 

Nobody can pressure me to resign — Damagum 

 

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ambassador Umar Damagum, has confidently stated that no one can pressure him into stepping down from his position.

 

It is important to note that the PDP has been dealing with internal disputes both before and after the 2023 elections.

 

Damagum has been repeatedly blamed by party members for contributing to the ongoing crisis.

 

He said ” Let me send a message to everyone talking about Damagum this, Damagum that – I cannot be intimidated. The more you mention me, the more popular I become.”

 

 

He mentioned that the criticisms only enhanced his popularity, and he is even considering running for the presidency due to this increased recognition.

 

While speaking at the ongoing inauguration of the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees, chaired by Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Tom Ikimi respectively, Damagum expressed frustration with individuals who lack knowledge of the National Working Committee operations yet spread misinformation to the public.