Edo State, Benjamin Atu, a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a Senior Special Assistant on Media in Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, has criticized PDP National Chairman, Amb. Umar Ilyas Damagum, for allegedly failing to address ongoing crises within the party. Atu claims that the party has neglected the ousted local government council chairmen in Edo State and has made no efforts to reconcile dissatisfied members.
Atu expressed his disappointment with Damagum’s actions, particularly his quick directive for a disclaimer against the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, regarding the acceptance of a court ruling that affirmed the Governor Similaye Fubara faction of the party’s Rivers State executive. Atu questioned why similar urgency was not applied to issuing a supportive statement for the displaced Edo State council chairmen.
Highlighting the challenges within the party, Atu remarked, “Political parties in Nigeria often operate more like hustle associations, dominated by self-proclaimed leaders who thrive on political crises.” He criticized the National Working Committee (NWC) for not fostering a stable and sustainable democratic environment.
Atu, who claims to have been removed from PDP national platforms for supporting the Fubara faction, expressed frustration over the party’s denial of a court judgment he personally verified. He argued that the party’s leadership should aim to unify rather than divide, emphasizing the lack of attention to the crises in Edo State, including the illegal removal of all 18 local government council chairmen.
He further questioned the party’s focus on Rivers State while ignoring issues in Edo, noting the takeover of the Edo State Party Secretariat by the APC without any response from the PDP’s national leadership. Atu stressed that a political leader’s role is to unify, not take sides, and accused Damagum of representing specific interests rather than those of the party.
In his statement, Atu urged the PDP leadership to stop exacerbating crises and instead work towards rebuilding trust and unity within the party. He warned that the current approach jeopardizes the party’s future, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
Atu concluded by calling for the NWC to come together and rebuild the PDP, cautioning against leadership that perpetuates division and undermines public trust in the party.
For further inquiries, please contact Benjamin Atu at [email protected].
