In a recent development within the House of Representatives, a group comprising 60 lawmakers from various opposition parties called for the resignation of the Peoples Democratic Party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
This demand was made citing alleged anti-party activities. The group, known as the Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers, issued this ultimatum during a gathering in Abuja on Monday. They threatened to leave the PDP if Damagum did not step down, advocating for the appointment of a new acting chairman from the North Central region, which is the zone of the suspended National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
However, a swift response came from the Minority Leaders of the House of Representatives, who disowned the 60 lawmakers and their demands. In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, Deputy Minority Leader Ali Madaki, Minority Whip Ali Isah, and Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi clarified that the caucus they lead does not support the stance taken by the Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers. They emphasized that the group led by Ikenga Ugochinyere is not recognized within the parliament and condemned their actions and language, terming them as unparliamentary.
The minority leaders asserted that the demands made by the coalition do not represent the views of the minority parties within the parliament. They urged the public to disregard the coalition’s statements and called for a more honorable approach from the lawmakers involved.
A noticeable absence at the Monday briefing was Kingsley Chinda, a figure known for his association with the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. This absence fueled speculations about ongoing rifts within the party, particularly amidst the power struggle between Wike and Governor Siminalaiye Fubara over the control of Rivers State.
The situation underscores the complexity of political dynamics within the House of Representatives and the broader landscape of Nigerian politics. It highlights the intricacies of power struggles, alliances, and conflicts that often characterize party politics. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the PDP and the opposition parties will navigate these challenges and maintain cohesion within their ranks.