The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, criticised the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, for instructing the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, to resume duties at the national secretariat.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Arterial Road N20 interchange bridge in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike asserted that Damagum lacked the authority to issue such an order.
“I watched on national television and heard the acting national chairman directing the national secretary to resume. The national secretary is not your appointee,” he said. “He has been doing his work and will continue to do so. You can’t ask him to resume because of the illegalities you’re perpetrating.”
Wike further accused Damagum of poor leadership and described the PDP’s recent visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as “ignorant and shameful.”
“A political party now goes to INEC asking what to do. If, because of your ignorance of the law, you went there, that’s unfortunate. The law doesn’t excuse ignorance,” he stated.
The minister urged party leaders to avoid acting out of pride or personal gain, advising them to seek guidance when uncertain.
“Don’t let ego or monthly allocations mislead you. If you want to learn, come to us — we’ll teach you how to handle it,” he said.
Earlier, the PDP had reversed its decision on Anyanwu and suspended the National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for 30 June, following consultations with INEC.
Damagum admitted the move was difficult but accepted among stakeholders. He added that the party would now hold an expanded National Caucus meeting on the same date.