Ex-PDP Assembly Candidates Tell Damagun To Quit, Seek Sanction For Disloyal Members

The Peoples Democratic Party State House of Assembly Candidates Froum (PDP-SHACF) has called on the acting national chairman of the party, Amb. Ilia Damagum, to quit his position and pave a way for a substantive national chairman to emerge from the North-Central zone of the country.

The group of the PDP faithful also called for sanctions against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and others in some States, who openly worked against the party in the 2023 general election.

In a statement jointly signed by four leaders of the Froum – national chairman, Hon. Salaudeen A. Lukman (Kwara State); national secretary, Hon. Muhammad Gidado Musa (Kebbi State); vice chairman (North), Hon. Mahee Umar Gatawa (Sokoto State), and national publicity secretary, Hon. Abraham Olusegun Adeleye (Ekiti State), titled, ‘PDP Leadership Challenge: Taking Charge Of Our Future’, on Thursday, they said they were woried about the party’s ongoing leadership saga, which they said was aggravated by the National Working Committee’s (NWC) lack of positive response to their earlier communication dated Monday April 8, 2024.

“The House of Assembly Candidates in the 2023 election express significant worry about the party’s ongoing leadership issue, which is aggravated by the National Working Committee’s (NWC) lack of positive response to our earlier communication dated Monday 8th April, 2024.

“Despite our patient waiting, it is disappointing that the NWC has taken no substantial action. As a result, in accordance with the resolutions reached during our meeting on April 9, 2024, we believe it is necessary to take additional steps.

“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 councillors 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.

“Furthermore, the practice of individuals joining the party during elections just to desert ship in the case of defeat is considered unacceptable and must be discontinued immediately.

“We urge the NWC to work transparently and in compliance with the party’s constitution. The Acting Chairman is encouraged to STEP DOWN graciously and honourably, allowing capable individuals to take over leadership duties as substantial national chairman is Dare needed now for the party to have direction,” they said.

The Froum further demanded an immediate end to what it called ‘arrogant and selfishness’ displayed by those who have blatantly ignored the fact that thousands of untapped destiny are inextricably linked to the fate of the party, adding that this includes putting a halt to the indifferent behaviour of the PDP presidential candidate in 2023, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, and Wike’s representatives in the party accross board.

“It is critical that the members of NWC refrain from using their positions for personal advantage at the detriment of the party and its membership. Such actions will be faced with strong opposition going forward.

“We recognise and applaud the effort of National leadership under the Acting National Chairmanship Amb Ilya Damagun, your efforts to save the party from transactional politicians is appreciated nonetheless, it’s time to advance the approach by stepping down for substantial National Chairman to continue.

“To the sixty National Assembly members who are considering desertion while holding party tickets, two wrong can’t make a right and we can not correct wrong doing with another wrong doings. In fact, an adage established cutting off a head is never a solution to a simple headache. we urge you to reconsider your decision. Your constituents and the party both need a candid explanation for any decisions made, hence, we must collectively address the challenges with no one leaving the party because of just one individual factor, be rest assured that we are committed to diligently seek remedy to awake responsibility from all rank and file with the party hierarchy.

“Rest assured that we are committed to creating a collaborative effort with the party leadership to ensure that House of Assembly candidates have access to essential duties outlined in the party constitution. We are resolved to further cement our party by empowering those who are strongly anchored in grassroots areas. This collaborative strategy attempts to promote unity and progress at both the national, state and local levels of the party administration.

“We urge the Leadership to penalise any instances of anti-party behaviour as soon as possible, especially when they are committed by members of our ranks who have a responsibility to demonstrate leadership qualities, by applying punishments quickly and forcefully, the Party will be exhibiting its commitment to deterring future acts of party indiscipline, preserving our party’s repute and cohesiveness,” they stated.