The ongoing leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) entered a new phase on Tuesday as members of the G60 in the House of Representatives, led by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, disrupted plans by lawmakers aligned with FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to endorse Mr. Umar Damagun as the party’s substantive National Chairman.
Tensions arose during a closed-door meeting convened by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, when Hon. Ugochinyere challenged the presentation by the Caucus Leader.
Despite attempts to mediate, members of the G60 group left the meeting prematurely, leaving around 40 lawmakers behind for the subsequent press briefing.
Following the lengthy three-hour meeting, Hon. Chinda announced the Caucus’s commitment to unity and vigilance in representing the Nigerian people, particularly in addressing the nation’s security challenges. The Caucus issued a stern three-month ultimatum for the government to normalize the security situation, warning of further action if necessary.
Additionally, the Caucus called for internal reconciliation within the party to resolve pending litigations hindering the appointment of a substantive National Chairman. They emphasized the importance of party loyalty and the need to reclaim the PDP’s former status as Africa’s largest party.
Regarding the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, the Minority Leader urged the Senate leadership to reconsider, highlighting Ningi’s contributions as a seasoned politician and parliamentarian.
Meanwhile, a member of the G60 group, speaking anonymously, expressed satisfaction with their stance against endorsing Damagun and emphasized the need for a leadership overhaul within the party. They reiterated demands for a North-central candidate to complete the tenure, stressing the party’s commitment to serving Nigerians over political interests.
The member also emphasized the insistence on a Caretaker PDP executive list reflecting the earlier resolution, without interference or additions, to prevent manipulation by external influences and maintain the party’s integrity.