Deep divisions have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a significant bloc of federal lawmakers threatens to defect over alleged efforts by the party’s leadership to install agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in key positions.
At a press conference on Monday, a coalition of at least 60 PDP lawmakers, led by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, accused the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, of deliberately undermining the party by appointing “APC loyalists and allies” to caretaker committees in Rivers and other states.
The lawmakers expressed outrage at what they perceive as a deliberate attempt to dismantle the PDP from within. They emphasized the party’s rich history, built by “Sir Alex Ekwueme, Prince Solomon Lar and other eminent former Chairmen and leaders,” and vowed not to stand by and witness its destruction.
The coalition made two key demands. The first demand was for the immediate resignation of Damagum. The lawmakers argued that Damagum’s position as acting chairman is unconstitutional as he should have facilitated the selection of a permanent chairman from the North-central zone following the removal of Sen. Iyorchia Ayu.
In their second demand, they called for the review of the Caretaker Committee appointments. The lawmakers vehemently opposed the alleged appointment of APC members to caretaker committees, particularly in Rivers State, and demanded a complete review of the appointments.
The press conference concluded with a clear ultimatum: If these demands are not met, the 60 lawmakers will defect from the PDP, severing all ties with the party and seeking new political affiliations.
