The House of Representatives is currently experiencing palpable tension among lawmakers of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over a proposed vote of confidence on the party’s acting chairman, Umar Damagun. The move has sparked a clash between factions within the party, leading to a polarized atmosphere.
A group of PDP lawmakers and stakeholders have been advocating for the resignation of Damagun due to alleged non-performance and the negation of the party’s zoning principle. They argue that his resignation would allow the North-Central zone to assume the position, as it was zoned to them.
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On the other hand, there is a pro-Damagun faction led by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, planning to pass a vote of confidence on the chairman despite the allegations against him.
A meeting of the PDP caucus is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party on Thursday. However, there are strong indications that the lawmakers may not come out of the meeting united due to the opposing factions.
The move to give Damagun a vote of confidence has caused division among the lawmakers, with many expressing frustration and anger. They view such a move as insensitive and damaging to the party’s image, portraying them as rubber stamp politicians.
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The tension surrounding the upcoming meeting has led some lawmakers to warn against ignoring the demands of party members. They insist on the election of a North-Central acting chairman, the resignation of Damagun, condemnation of anti-party activities, and disciplinary action against members working against the party’s interests.
The ongoing conflict within the PDP has resulted in a rift among its members in the House of Representatives, potentially leading to further disintegration within the party.
Earlier in the week, a group of 60 PDP federal lawmakers threatened to leave the party if the doctored list of Caretaker Committees in Rivers and other states, allegedly filled with APC members and loyalists, is not nullified. They also demanded Damagun’s resignation to pave the way for a North-Central person to assume the acting chairman position, as stipulated in the party’s constitution.
