Nyesom Wike, the minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has been under siege by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reform Vanguard, demanding that he be suspended from his position. The party is based in Abuja.
In addition, Umar Damagum’s resignation as the PDP’s acting national chair was demanded by the group.
The group demanded that Wike be suspended for alleged anti-party activities when they arrived at the PDP headquarters ahead of the planned national executive council (NEC) meeting.
Usman Seidu, the group’s convener, said that Wike and Damagum have “undermined our collective efforts and jeopardised our very existence as a formidable opposition force” in remarks to reporters.
“We commend our former National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for his demonstration of unwavering loyalty and love for our party by withdrawing all pending suits against the party in court,” Seidu said.
“His actions have paved the way for our great party to move forward, to cleanse our ranks and to restore integrity to our leadership.
“However, the presence of individuals like Amb. Iliya Damagum and Mr. Nyesom Wike within our midst remains a cancerous growth on the body of our party.
“Their actions, tantamount to betrayal, have undermined our collective efforts and jeopardised our very existence as a formidable opposition force.
“The time has come for the NEC to act decisively. Amb. Iliya Damagum must be removed from his position as acting national chairman, in accordance with the provisions of our party’s constitution.
“He must be replaced with a loyal member from the north-central, someone who embodies the spirit of our party and will work tirelessly for the advancement of its course.
“Furthermore, we cannot turn a blind eye to the continuous presence of Mr. Nyesom Wike within our ranks. His romance with the APC has been handsomely rewarded with his appointment as minister of the FCT and as such, his stay is a slap in the face of every loyal member of our party.
“If the party fails to take decisive action against those who have betrayed our trust, then it risks losing the faith and support of its loyal members across the country.”
Wike attended the national caucus meeting of the PDP on Wednesday.
