In a decisive move, Umar Damagum, the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has clarified that the National Working Committee (NWC) under his stewardship will refrain from suspending or dismissing any perceived ‘disloyal’ member.
This statement follows recent calls from some PDP stakeholders urging Damagum to take disciplinary action against figures like former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and several others accused of anti-party activities during the recent general elections.
Addressing the PDP Mobilisers Group in Abuja, Damagum dismissed the calls for punitive measures and revealed that the NWC had greenlighted the establishment of a committee tasked with reviewing and reconciling all disgruntled members within the party.
He emphasized the party’s commitment to prioritizing reconciliation over punitive actions, stating that an excessive focus on sanctions could potentially undermine the party.
“The NWC has approved the setup of a committee to review and reconcile all aggrieved members. We are more interested in reconciliation and bringing more people into the party than sanctioning any alleged anti-party, which may destroy the party,” Damagum stated.
Responding to criticisms regarding the NWC’s perceived inaction, Damagum defended the committee’s approach, highlighting the delicate balance between addressing internal issues and preserving the unity of the party.
He explained, “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.”
Damagum acknowledged the internal dissent within the party and cautioned against hasty judgments.
“They are always telling you these people are not doing the right thing. This is an opportunity for me to explain. Somebody has said that sometimes when you are not knowledgeable about certain things and you go on saying about your thinking, it will always injure the sensibility of others to understand you,” he remarked.
Regarding the disappointment of the 2023 presidential election defeat, Damagum labeled it as “most painful” and urged party members to avoid engaging in a blame game.
Reflecting on his own journey within the party, he shared his pride in its growth, saying, “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. I believe in this party, I believe that this party is the best in this country.”
Damagum disclosed that the NWC had sanctioned a comprehensive 2023 election review and reconciliation committee, emphasizing its mandate to investigate and form subcommittees.
He clarified that this committee would not only scrutinize the 2023 election but also assess the party’s performance from 2015 to 2019.
Acknowledging the prevalence of anti-party activities among members, Damagum urged patience, stating, “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’s words underscore the delicate balance between accountability and unity within the PDP as it navigates the aftermath of recent electoral challenges.
