The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued a stern warning on Tuesday, signaling impending disciplinary actions against erring members, notably the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for their alleged anti-party activities.
Addressing the media at a press conference in Abuja, Umar Damagum, the PDP National Chairman, underscored the party’s resolve to take decisive measures against those who acted contrary to the PDP’s interests.
Damagum’s strong stance was particularly directed at Wike and other members reportedly working against the party. He vowed that appropriate sanctions would be meted out at the right time, emphasizing that no member, regardless of status, was beyond reproach or immune to the party’s disciplinary actions.
The NWC’s briefing also highlighted the PDP’s divergence from President Bola Tinubu’s stance regarding the ongoing political upheaval in Rivers State.
The PDP vehemently insisted on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducting elections to fill the vacant seats left by the defection of 27 lawmakers from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Damagum reiterated the party’s stance, emphasizing compliance with the provisions outlined in Section 109 and Section 84 (15) of the Electoral Act 2022.
He urged INEC to expeditiously schedule elections for the 25 constituencies in Rivers State where vacancies emerged due to the defection of former PDP members, pending any court resolutions.
“We are resolute in demanding that INEC proceeds with the conduct of elections to fill the voids in the affected constituencies. This is crucial in upholding democratic principles and ensuring fair representation for the constituents,” Damagum affirmed.
The PDP’s uncompromising stand against members working against the party’s interests and their insistence on electoral adherence in Rivers State underscores the ongoing tensions within the political landscape, signifying a potential showdown on both disciplinary matters and electoral procedures.
