Nigeria Times

Umar Iliya Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has spoken out about the internal challenges facing the party. In a recent interview, Damagum addressed criticisms he has received, explaining that he inherited a fragmented party after successive election defeats in 2019 and 2023.

Despite the party’s struggles to regain national power over the past nine years, Damagum remains focused on uniting its divided factions. He described his role as taking “the bullet for all sinners” to ensure that the PDP remains cohesive. He emphasized that his approach is to facilitate healing, despite the discontent among members who played various roles in the party’s setbacks.

Ongoing Leadership Struggles

The PDP has undergone three leadership changes in the past year and has yet to elect a permanent chairman. Damagum, who took over after Iyorchia Ayu’s departure, has been asked to remain in his position until the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Factional divides persist, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike leading two key camps. A third group, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, is also emerging.

Growing Pressure for Damagum’s Resignation

Calls for Damagum’s resignation are increasing, especially from the North-central zone, which seeks to reclaim the national chairmanship. The party is under pressure from 60 federal lawmakers who have threatened to leave if Damagum does not step down.

Despite these challenges, Damagum remains committed to stabilizing the party and improving its chances in the 2027 elections. However, with key figures like former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha recently leaving the PDP, the road to recovery appears steep.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has boldly dared any Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor or leader to publicly call him a mole. During an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, Wike asserted that he had formally notified the PDP at both the state and national levels before accepting his ministerial appointment, and challenged his critics to name those accusing him of being a mole.

Wike further defended his actions during the 2023 elections, stating that his opposition to the PDP presidential candidate was based on fairness and equity. He boasted about the PDP’s electoral success in his state and claimed that strong leadership was behind their victories.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chapter in Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State, has dismissed claims that Senator Dino Melaye has been suspended from the party. In a statement issued on Friday by Ijumu LGA PDP Chairman, Olorunmaiye Olabode, the party declared that the suspension letter was forged and part of a plot by external enemies of the party.

The statement emphasized that those behind the letter had no authority to suspend Melaye, labeling the move a “malicious and mischievous plan” to destabilize the party and remove Melaye, who is regarded as a key leader in Kogi State.

The PDP further called on its members to disregard the alleged suspension and reaffirmed their support for Melaye, citing his contributions to the party both at the state and national levels.

Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie is facing criticism after endorsing Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, in the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election.

In a video that has gone viral, Johnson-Okojie is seen campaigning for Okpebholo at a rally, urging attendees to support the APC candidate. She highlighted the need for change in Edo State, pointing out issues such as inadequate electricity, water, healthcare, and security.

“Are you not tired? No light, water, healthcare, security, and good roads. If you will vote for Senator Monday, raise your hand,” Johnson-Okojie said in the video. She continued, “So when you get to that field early in the morning, vote for Monday, vote for APC, vote for the broom.”

The actress’s endorsement has sparked considerable backlash on social media, with many critics accusing her of supporting the ruling party despite widespread economic challenges in the country.

@masurge commented, “Mercy Johnson is just a cheap opportunistic agbero with zero class and zero morality in my opinion. Imagine supporting blabbing Tinubu and now also supporting Illiterate Monday Okpebholo of all people. Talent is really not enough.”

@f0944366 added, “Mercy Johnson no try, how can she be campaigning for APC, it’s her right una go talk, right to make foolish and greedy decision…”

@ehiogs4life expressed frustration, saying, “My point is, how do people just gather the courage to still come out and campaign for APC and The Edo people still dey listen. I dey shame for all of una. Tufiakwa.”

@ONYEZIAA lamented, “This is so sad… When they think the lives of Nigerians is now Nollywood… How do people throw away the relevance they’ve gathered over the years in less than 2 minutes for just how much?”

Okpebholo is running against Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), among others, in the September 21 election.