Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagum, has denied allegations that he is secretly working for the ruling All Progressives Congress to undermine his party.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Damagum addressed criticisms from within the PDP, particularly over his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
“May God judge us, if I am working for the APC,” Damagum said, reacting to claims that he met with President Bola Tinubu in England.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, stressing that he has never defected since joining the party in 1999.
“I have a history. Since I joined the PDP in 1999, I have never defected. Those who dislike me will have to find ways to either praise or criticise me to get what they want,” he added.
On his relationship with Wike, Damagum acknowledged knowing the FCT minister but denied allegations of collaboration to damage the PDP.
“For all those who accuse me of having links with the Minister of FCT, I know him or have had links with him, and many of them have had links with him. My only fault here is that I did not allow them to do what they wanted with him,” he said.
The PDP chairman also expressed concern over the recent wave of defections from the party to the APC.
“We must be sad. Whenever you lose someone, you don’t feel happy, even if it’s just one person you’re grieving for,” he said, insisting that none of the defectors had legitimate grievances against the party.
Damagum acknowledged that the PDP, like any political party, has internal issues but remains united.
“PDP is one. There are internal problems, because a party never lacks problems because its leaders are people, and people are in it, and everyone has their own interests,” he stated.
He defended his leadership style, saying he remains committed to principles and does not yield to pressure from individuals.
