A group of 60 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have issued a strong ultimatum, threatening to leave the party if certain demands are not met. The lawmakers are up in arms over the alleged doctoring of the list of Local Government Caretaker Committees in Rivers and 10 other states, in favor of members of the rival All Progressive Congress (APC).
Led by Imo Ugochinyere, a member representing Ideato Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, the lawmakers, operating under the banner of the ‘Opposition Lawmakers Coalition’, are demanding the immediate resignation of the Acting Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagun. They insist that a North Central person should take over as acting chairman until a convention is held, as per the party’s constitution.
Accusing Damagun of colluding with the APC, the lawmakers claim that the Caretaker Committee list in Rivers State was manipulated to benefit former Governor Nyesom Wike and defected members of the Rivers House of Assembly. They assert that they cannot remain in a party that is influenced by another political entity.
Furthermore, the lawmakers are calling for the removal of Damagun by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party if their demands are not met. They are adamant that a credible leader from the North Central region should be appointed as chairman, in accordance with the party’s zoning formula.
In a press conference held in Abuja, the lawmakers warned that if their grievances are not addressed, they will suspend their participation in party activities and seek alternative political affiliations. They emphasize that this drastic step will be taken only as a last resort, after exhausting all other avenues for resolution.
The ultimatum issued by the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition underscores the deep divisions and power struggles within the PDP, highlighting the need for decisive action to restore unity and integrity within the party.
