The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to factional leaders within the party, stating that it may resort to using security agencies to enforce compliance and uphold the rule of law following internal conflicts.
This announcement was made during a press briefing on Monday by Acting National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga.
Manga addressed the media to clarify the recent turmoil within the PDP, marked by the suspension of key party officials, including the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN.
The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) explained that the suspensions were necessary to facilitate an investigation into allegations of “abuse of office and insubordination.”
“We must ensure that certain actions are not guided by sentiments and personal interests, but by the party’s constitution,” Manga stated, urging party members to avoid conflicts that could jeopardize the PDP’s future.
He emphasized the need for unity, warning that continued infighting could lead to the party’s downfall.
Manga expressed disappointment at the reactions of the suspended officials, accusing them of adopting a “motor park” approach to what he described as a procedural suspension aimed at giving them the opportunity to clear their names.
He criticized the spread of misinformation regarding the legitimacy of the leadership changes and urged members to rally behind the acting leadership.
In a more serious tone, Manga declared that if necessary, the party would involve security agencies to enforce compliance with party rules and address any reckless violations of a subsisting court order related to the ongoing disputes.
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“In the face of this reckless violation of a subsisting court order, we are left with no option but to deploy the services of security agencies to enforce the rule of law,” he said.
This statement signals a potential escalation in tensions within the PDP, which has faced significant internal strife in recent months.
As the party strives to maintain its status as Nigeria’s major opposition force, Manga called for solidarity among members and support for Acting National Chairman Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum.
He urged all party stakeholders to focus on resolving ongoing issues and reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to its foundational values of democracy and governance.