A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Presidential Media Adviser, Sani Umar, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of instigating the crisis currently rocking the opposition party.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Saturday, Umar said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, acted within its powers when it suspended four key officials, including National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
“The counter-suspension by the Anyanwu group is merely an effort to cover their shame,” Umar said. “They do not have the authority to suspend the National Chairman. Out of 19 members of the NWC, only four met to issue that suspension. They do not even form a quorum.”
He explained that the decision to suspend the officials followed due process in line with Sections 58 and 59 of the PDP constitution.
“The NWC deliberated, found that some members had committed offences, and suspended them for one month pending their appearance before the National Disciplinary Committee,” he added.
Umar dismissed claims that the Federal High Court’s judgement restraining INEC from recognising the outcome of the planned convention in Ibadan would stop the exercise.
“The judgement by Justice Omotosho only asked us to give another 21-day notice, but we disagree because it’s a concluded matter,” he said. “The judge went ahead to grant reliefs not even sought by the plaintiffs. We know that any matter before him involving Wike, we won’t win.”
He said the party would petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) for what he described as a biased ruling.
“That judgement is prejudicial, premeditated, and politically motivated,” Umar declared.
Responding to concerns about internal democracy and the role of the FCT Minister, Umar alleged that Wike was deliberately destabilising the PDP from within.
“The problems within the PDP are induced by Nyesom Wike,” he said. “This is somebody who has clearly stated that he will support Tinubu in 2027. I don’t know why someone who has declared support for another party should still meddle in PDP affairs. That is anti-party activity.”
On why Wike has not been suspended, Umar said the party chose a strategic approach.
“We wanted to systematically ease him and his cohorts out of the party through the convention,” he explained. “We didn’t want unnecessary fisticuffs along the way.”
Umar also dismissed Wike’s claim of impunity in the party, accusing the minister of being the “chief architect of impunity” in the PDP.
“If there is anyone who should be accused of impunity, it is Wike,” he said. “He singlehandedly brought in Ali Modu Sheriff, later removed him, installed Uche Secondus, removed him again, and then brought in Iyorchia Ayu. He only cries impunity now because things no longer favour him.”
He confirmed that the PDP’s national convention will proceed despite the recent court order and confusion within the ranks.
“We have legal options,” he said. “We can appeal and apply for a stay of execution. Once that is done, the convention can go ahead legally.”
On the internal preparations, Umar clarified that the governors’ choice of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as consensus candidate was legitimate.
“The governors are the biggest pressure group in the party—he who pays the piper dictates the tune,” he said. “Those raising objections are simply the ones contesting the process, not the party.”
He dismissed claims by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido that he was denied a nomination form, saying Lamido acted too late.
“The sale of forms ended on 22 September, and submission was extended to 27 October,” Umar explained. “You can’t go looking for a form on the final day of submission. That’s political mischief.”
He further alleged that Lamido has been fraternising with the Wike faction and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Lamido has been absent from PDP activities for over a year,” Umar said. “Now he is romancing the Wike group and has held meetings with ADC. No political party will tolerate that.”
Despite the turmoil, Umar maintained that the PDP would weather the storm.
“We are following due process, and the convention will hold,” he said. “No amount of internal sabotage will derail the PDP.”
Boluwatife Enome
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