FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has backed the suspension of PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum amid the party’s crisis.
He said impunity must end for discipline and fairness to return to the PDP.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commented on the deepening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that impunity must no longer be allowed to thrive in the party.
The crisis took a new turn on Saturday when a faction loyal to Wike announced the suspension of the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum. The faction is led by Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary, who had earlier been suspended by the National Working Committee (NWC) after an emergency meeting in Abuja.
A few hours after his suspension, Anyanwu convened a press briefing where he announced the suspension of Damagum and five other members of the NWC. Those listed include Debo Ologunagba, the party’s spokesperson; Taofeek Arapaja, deputy national vice chairman (South); Daniel Woyenguikoro, national financial secretary; Sulaiman Kadade, national youth leader; and Setonji Koshoedo, deputy national secretary.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike threw his weight behind the move, maintaining that discipline and fairness must return to the PDP. “We cannot continue to allow impunity,” he said, stressing that the party cannot progress if certain individuals continue to disregard its rules.
Wike also took a swipe at some governors, accusing them of misusing public funds meant for development projects. Without mentioning names, he alleged that certain governors were channeling state resources into fueling internal divisions within the PDP.
“The problem in the PDP today is that governors now control huge amounts of money. I commend the President for ensuring that states have more funds than ever before. But I expected the money to be used for development, not to destroy the party that brought them to prominence,” he said.
The minister, who has been a key figure in the PDP’s internal power struggle, insisted that party unity can only be achieved when members uphold fairness and accountability. He said those who benefit from the PDP’s platform should protect and strengthen it rather than use their positions to create chaos.
According to him, the party must enforce discipline among its members to prevent future conflicts and restore public confidence.
