The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Northern Elders Unity Forum has accused Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, and his allies of working to “destroy the PDP and cripple opposition political parties in Nigeria”.
In a communique issued after its 18th meeting, the Forum reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of the PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum, and condemned moves by some party members to scuttle the upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
National Secretary of the Forum, Dr. Abbas Sadauki (Dan Madamin Tofa), in a strongly worded statement, said the group’s decision was unanimous.
“No amount of political intimidation, threats, or lies against the unity of our party will stop the successful organization and conduct of the national convention in Ibadan,” Sadauki declared.
He accused certain members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) of aligning with “outside forces” to undermine the party’s stability.
“Those misleading groups within our party to scuttle the national convention are jokers.
“They are predators unleashed against our collective interest and unity.
“Some members of the NWC who have chosen to align with forces bent on destroying our unity will not succeed.
“Their attempts will backfire; soon they will be buried in shame and political regrets for their wickedness,” Sadauki warned.
The Forum alleged that Wike’s political influence was behind the ongoing internal sabotage.
“There is no reason to allow these ungrateful people, who are under the guidance of their master, Mr. Nyesom Wike, whose ambition is to destroy anything good about the PDP or any opposition movement whether through court cases or the use of power, to succeed in destroying our party,” Sadauki added.
The group expressed full support for Damagum and other party leaders “genuinely committed to rebuilding and uniting the PDP ahead of 2027.”
“The commitment shown by Ambassador Damagum and loyal stakeholders toward a positive future for the PDP is a big sacrifice to make the party stronger and united,” the statement read.
It also urged the judiciary and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be cautious of “political mercenaries” who, it said, were manipulating institutions to destabilize democracy.
“We appeal to the judiciary not to be misled by these elements who are becoming tools for destroying our democracy. They are enemies of progress and a burden to the government,” Sadauki stated.
Reaffirming its loyalty to the current leadership, the Forum insisted that the decision of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) to proceed with the convention remains binding.
“Our support for the leadership under Ambassador Damagum is sacrosanct. Every disciplined member must respect the NEC’s decision to protect the party’s unity and progress,” the statement concluded.