By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Alhaji Yusuf Dingyadi, has described the allegations circulated by some disgruntled enemies of the party against the acting National Chairman, on supporting a particular person as the substantive National Secretary of the party.
He defended the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Umar Iliya Damagun, against accusations of sabotaging the National Working Committee’s decisions on the National Secretary issues.
According to Yusuf Dingyadi, it is unbecoming to accuse Amb Umar Iliyasu Damagum, who has worked tirelessly to uplift the party standard, uniting the same NWC members to sustain party cohesion when many failed to do so. Damagum has been instrumental in uniting the party leadership, making it a more formidable force for its existence after the 2023 general elections.
Dingyadi noted that Amb Damagum was not even in Abuja on the day of contention, a day Sen Samuel Anyanwu resumed at Wadata House. He travelled to Damaturu to prepare for his cousin’s Daughter’s wedding ceremony scheduled that week.
Amb Damagum has faced attacks from certain groups within the party, particularly from the northern region sponsored by certain groups of people who want to focus on PDP, a rubber stamp leadership that can do their dirty bidding to strangle anybody who disagrees with them.
However, despite these challenges, Damagum has succeeded in sustaining the party’s growth, political understanding and cohesion.
The accusations against Damagum centre around baseless rumours, including his alleged relationship with the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyson Wike. However, Dingyadi emphasized that Damagum’s commitment to the party remains unwavering
As the acting National Chairman, Damagum has demonstrated his dedication to the party’s unity and growth without fear or favour.
He has travelled extensively, organized meetings, and referred disciplinary cases to the reconciliatory action committee rather than allowing suspensions or expulsions for selfish interests.
No matter what pundits will do, they should remember Amb Damagum, remains a bonafide member of the National Working Committee and all other organs that have constitutional backing.
Dingyadi concluded that those accusing Damagun are ultimately harming the party, by destroying the symbol and institution of PDP survival and Damagum’s emergence is backed by constitutional provisions.
