The acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum has said that the party is ready to show the minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike that he is not above the party.
Responsing to questions during a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, December 19, Damagum made the statement, implying that Wike and other individuals engaging in anti-party actions will face consequences from the party leadership at the appropriate time.
This comes after several PDP stakeholders chastised Wike and others for allegedly engaging in anti-party actions during the recently completed general elections, and asked Damagum to take appropriate action.
He said: “Our stand about Wike, I have always said this thing that as long as you are a member of the PDP, there is a time for everything. My duty is to stabilize this party and not to cause crisis. And I will continue to do that within the confines of reason.
“When things go out of hand, we will act. But meanwhile, we still see it within the ambit of the law. Mind you, we have other litigation going on in this party and we won’t want to plunge our party into another crisis.
“And let me tell you something, it’s not only Wike, but there are also other people who worked against this party. When we get to that level, we will sanction everybody. If Wike believes he is above this party, we will be able to show him that he is not above this party.”
Wike has never denied being a member of the PDP, according to Damagum, who added that the committee for the party’s 2023 review, which has not yet been constituted, would submit a report and suggest suitable penalties for individuals who engage in anti-party actions.
“They are to review what happened in 2023 and come out with a report not only about one person, but every person who has in one way or another engaged in anti-party. Then after that, we will see what kind of measure to take”, he added.