The Peoples Democratic Party in the North-Central zone has dissociated itself from the purported suspension and removal of the party’s national chairman, Umar Damagun, by the Samuel Anyanwu-led faction.

The group, in a statement issued after its meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, also rejected the purported appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as the new acting chairman of the party.

Spokesperson for the group, Francis Orogu, who is also the secretary of the PDP North-Central, described the crisis as another avoidable political crisis. He stated the need for wisdom, prudence, and strict implementation of pending NEC decisions, aimed at strengthening PDP ahead of its forthcoming National Convention.

He said it was an individual in a desperate move to destroy the PDP who was trying to drag the North Central Zone into their schemes, including the purported appointment of Mohammed.

He advised Mr Mohammed, who, according to him, was purportedly appointed by a “four-member National Working Committee” as acting national chairman, to distance himself from any act that could deepen the crisis within the PDP.

Similarly, the PDP National Ex-Officio Forum condemned what it described as an unlawful invasion of the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.

The forum chairman, Clement Faboyede, and the secretary, Hassan Comfort, described the incident as a reckless display of political lawlessness and an affront to democratic tendencies. The forum also described the actions as anti-party activities, a direct assault on the PDP, a violation of the party’s constitution, and an open declaration of war against internal democracy.

“What transpired at the Wadata Plaza was not just an attack on individuals, but an attempt to desecrate the sanctity of an institution built on decades of sacrifice, vision, and democratic commitment. Those behind this inglorious plot have only succeeded in exposing their disdain for order and their contempt for the collective will of millions of PDP faithful nationwide,” it added.

The forum reaffirmed its total allegiance to the leadership of Damagun, describing him as the legitimate chairman of the PDP.

“We stand firm and unshaken behind Damagun, an emblem of stability, inclusiveness, and credible leadership. Under his watch, the PDP has continued to pursue peace, reconciliation, and reform. The party shall never be hijacked by opportunists or held hostage by self-seeking elements intoxicated by power and ambition,” the forum stated.

The forum called on all genuine party members, organs, and stakeholders across Nigeria to remain calm, focused, and unwavering in their commitment to the ideals of the PDP.

The forum expressed confidence that truth, justice, and the rule of law would ultimately prevail over impunity and disorder. It also called on security agencies and all relevant authorities to protect the sanctity of the PDP’s national institutions and ensure that the perpetrators of the act were held accountable.

In another development, the Forum of Youth Leaders across the 36 states of the Federation and the Abuja FCT expressed its support for Mr Mohammed. The spokesperson of the group, Jamilu Ali, said the group welcomed Mr Mohammed’s emergence, urging him to resolve all matters within the party.

“We are happy to have this kind of person, most of all as a youth. We agreed that we are giving him all our support to make sure he stabilizes the party, brings all the warring factions to the table, and creates a good working environment for the party to thrive.

“We are begging all our major stakeholders, all our leaders, to give the new chairman the needed support. We beg that they should sheath all their swords. There is no party constitution that is above the Nigerian Constitution,” he said.

(NAN)