Damagum disowns PDP South-South Congress held by Wike, loyalists

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Damagum, has distanced the party from the South-South Congress organized by allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Calabar on February 22.

Speaking during the inauguration of the PDP South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee in Abuja on Thursday, Damagum clarified that the party had yet to conduct any official congress in the region, as the tenure of the previous executives only recently expired.

“This is a very important occasion, and I want to make it clear that no election has been conducted in the South-South as far as this party is concerned,” Damagum stated.

He explained that with the expiration of the zonal committee’s tenure, the party deemed it necessary to establish a caretaker committee to oversee the transition before the official zonal congress.

Damagum urged the newly inaugurated committee members to be neutral in their duties and ensure the emergence of an all-inclusive executive for the zone.

He also used the opportunity to reaffirm PDP’s relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape, describing it as a party with a strong foundation and legacy.

“The PDP has been tested for 27 years and remains the party to beat. All these shenanigans from the APC and others cannot compare. If we have stood strong for 27 years, we will continue to stand,” he said.

Damagum further called on party leaders to remain steadfast and not be intimidated by the ruling government, stating, “Nobody will change your destiny except you. I’ve noticed some leaders encouraging the present administration out of fear.

That is disappointing. Let’s stand for the truth and work towards our goal.”

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated committee, its Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged to carry out their duties fairly.

“With God’s help, we will carry out our responsibilities dispassionately and in line with the chairman’s charge,” Ogidi assured.