On Saturday, opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives leveled serious allegations against Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Representing the Opposition Coalition, the lawmakers accused Damagum and Anyanwu of covertly undermining the PDP.
They alleged that the two party leaders were assisting former PDP members of the Rivers State House of Assembly with legal support to attempt an impeachment of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara.
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Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the coalition and member of the House of Representatives for Ideato Federal Constituency, outlined a series of events he claimed were part of a deliberate effort by Damagum and Anyanwu to weaken the PDP from within.
He suggested that their actions aimed to undermine the party’s position in a high-profile court case, where pro-Wike APC lawmakers seek to regain legitimacy and challenge the PDP government.
Ugochinyere further asserted that Damagum and Anyanwu were obstructing the National Legal Adviser, Kalmadeen Ajibade’s efforts to neutralize the pro-Wike lawmakers who defected from the PDP, thereby aiding the APC lawmakers’ attempt to disrupt PDP interests.
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The case, PHC/2177/CS/2024, involves a dispute over the defection of 27 PDP members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the APC on December 11, 2023. Ugochinyere noted that an ex parte order had been issued by the Rivers State High Court on July 8, 2024, prohibiting state officials from engaging with the defected lawmakers.
The Opposition Coalition claimed that the actions of Damagum and Anyanwu were part of a larger scheme to destabilize the PDP in Rivers State and advance the APC’s political goals.
Ugochinyere warned of severe consequences if the alleged plot succeeded, including the erosion of internal democracy within the PDP, potential fragmentation of the party, loss of public trust, and significant legal and financial repercussions.
He called for immediate measures to address the situation, including reinforcing the authority of the National Legal Adviser, taking legal action to prevent further interference by the national chairman and secretary, and establishing a disciplinary committee to investigate their conduct.
“The PDP must stand united in the face of this betrayal. We call on all members of the PDP and well-meaning Nigerians to join us in defending the integrity of our party and ensuring that justice prevails,” Ugochinyere added.
