National leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Edwin Clark, has issued a strong rebuke to the acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Illiya Damagum.
Clark accuses Damagum of conspiring with adversaries to undermine and potentially destroy the party. In a letter addressed to Damagum on Tuesday, Clark specifically alleged that the acting chairman was colluding with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to advance the interests of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) at the expense of the PDP.
The elder statesman expressed particular concern over the reconciliation committee established by the PDP’s leadership. He also criticized Damagum for initiating a legal case involving the defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, asserting that their shift to the APC was already well-documented and publicized.
Clark called for immediate action, urging the expulsion of Wike from the party. He emphasized that Wike, despite his position as the FCT Minister, is not above party rules and should face consequences for his alleged actions.
In his letter, Clark wrote:
“The purpose of this open letter, Mr. Acting National Chairman of the PDP, is to urge you to set up a probe committee to investigate Barr. Nyesom Wike. If found guilty of antiparty activities, he should face appropriate sanctions as prescribed by the party’s constitution. Setting up a reconciliation committee is not the answer, especially as the G-5 members have largely disbanded.”
He continued, “Your actions, Mr. Acting National Chairman, are contradictory to the party’s principles. Taking the NWC to court over the defection of the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly only undermines the party’s unity and emboldens those working against it. This behavior suggests you are aiding the efforts of the APC to damage the PDP.”
Clark urged Damagum to “stop colluding with Nyesom Wike to destroy the party,” warning that accountability would eventually come for all involved. He also appealed to other PDP elders and members to take a stand, calling for Wike’s expulsion for his alleged crimes against the party.
