By OBSERVERS TIMES
The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has vehemently denied allegations that he is secretly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize his own party. Damagum also addressed criticism regarding his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, following accusations from some PDP members that he is colluding with Wike to undermine the party.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Damagum reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the PDP, stating his commitment to the party’s core ideals. “May God judge us, if I am working for the APC,” he declared, responding to specific claims that he had met with President Bola Tinubu in England.
Damagum underscored his long-standing dedication to the PDP, emphasizing, “I have a history; since I joined the PDP in 1999, I have never defected. Those who dislike me will have to find ways to either praise or criticise me to get what they want.”
Addressing his critics regarding his ties with Wike, Damagum acknowledged their association but vehemently denied any wrongdoing. “For all those who accuse me of having links with the Minister of FCT, I know him or have had links with him, and many of them have had links with him. My only fault here is that I did not allow them to do what they wanted with him,” he explained.
Defections and Internal Divisions
The PDP chairman expressed his disappointment over the recent defections of some party members to the APC, describing it as a significant loss. “We must be sad. Whenever you lose someone, you don’t feel happy, even if it’s just one person you’re grieving for,” he remarked, while insisting that none of the defectors could legitimately claim they were wronged by the party.
Regarding internal divisions within the PDP, Damagum conceded that disagreements are inevitable in any political organization. However, he maintained that despite these challenges, the PDP remains a united entity. “PDP is one. There are internal problems, because a party never lacks problems because its leaders are people, and people are in it, and everyone has their own interests,” he stated.
Damagum concluded by defending his leadership approach, asserting that he adheres strictly to principles and refuses to succumb to individual pressures.
