The internal crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Saturday as former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, predicted the imminent downfall of the party.
In a statement made on social media platform X, Melaye accused the party’s acting national chairman, Iliya Damagum, along with the national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and the national organizing secretary, Umar Bature, of causing irreversible damage to the PDP. He alleged that the party has been subjected to commercialization and privatization under their leadership.
Melaye’s post read: “End of the road for PDP as Damagum, Bature, and Anyanwu irredeemably destroyed the party. We will talk about the commercialization and privatization of PDP. PDP is now once upon a time.”
This statement has sparked further concerns within the PDP, which has been struggling with internal disputes and factionalism. There are reports that the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) may consider sanctioning Damagum and Anyanwu for allegedly engaging in actions considered detrimental to the party, including a controversial letter sent to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt. This move has been interpreted by some party members as an anti-party activity, leading to calls for disciplinary measures against the two leaders.
However, Damagum, who is at the center of the controversy, has remained defiant. Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration of the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees, he dismissed the calls for his resignation, stating that such actions only serve to increase his popularity. “Let me send a message to everyone talking about Damagum this, Damagum that—I cannot be intimidated. The more you mention me, the more popular I become,” Damagum asserted.
As the PDP continues to navigate these turbulent times, the future of the party remains uncertain, with Melaye’s prediction adding to the growing speculation about its stability and longevity.
