Protesters besiege PDP secretariat, demand Wike’s suspension

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reform Vanguard has besieged the party’s secretariat in Abuja, to demand the suspension of Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT). 

The group also called for the resignation of Umar Damagum as acting national chair of the PDP.

The group arrived the headquarters ahead of the scheduled national executive council (NEC) meeting of the PDP, while demanding that Wike should be suspended for alleged anti-party activities.

Speaking with reporters, Usman Seidu, convener of the group, said Damagum and Wike have “undermined our collective efforts and jeopardised our very existence as a formidable opposition force”.

“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 the court,” Seidu said.

“His actions have paved the way for our great party to move forward, to cleanse our ranks and 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.