The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT), Chief Nyesom Wike may have commenced ‘bombardment’ of Bauchi state as threatened against any state that aligns with Governor Fubara in their lingering tussle.
This is based on the move yesterday, by Ahmadu Fintiri, Adamawa state governor who broke ranks with his colleague, Sen Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state to endorse an alleged Wike ally, Amb Iliya Damagun to continue in office as Acting Chairman of PDP.
A statement by Governor Fintiri’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou states that the Northeast zone of the Party has endorsed Umar Iliya Damagum to continue as the acting National Chairman of the party.
Fintiri, it was claimed in the press statement, says the PDP in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership.
The endorsement leaves out Bauchi state of Governor Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum who is mobilising support of the group for Governor Similaye Fubara of Rivers state.
By this move, it will seem like the MFCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike has commenced his threat of setting on fire, any state that aligns with his estranged political godson, Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State.
The endorsement comes at a time when some stakeholders in the party are agitating for Damagum to step down and for the Northcentral to produce a permanent National Chairman for the party.
The statement also claimed a court order had prevented the PDP from removing Damagum from his position and urged party members to respect the court order.
He said, “The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states have endorsed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum’s leadership as Acting National Chairman.
“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, speaking on behalf of the five states, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership since assuming office. Citing a Federal High Court Abuja restraining order, Fintiri stated that Damagum should complete former Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure unless the court decides otherwise.
“The Governor praised Damagum for restoring public confidence in the party and urged members to respect the court’s ruling for the party’s and democracy’s sake.
“The Governor who described the performance of the party in the North East region during the 2023 elections as unprecedented at all levels noted that the zone deserves the position of National Chairman more than any section in the North.
“A Federal High Court in Abuja had barred the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, PDP, INEC, and affiliates from replacing, nominating or appointing any Chairman other than Ambassador Damagum, following a restraining order by the Court.”
