The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagum, has emphasized that former Rivers State Governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, is not exempt from party discipline. 

Addressing questions at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Damagum hinted at forthcoming sanctions against Wike and others involved in anti-party activities.

This statement follows calls from PDP stakeholders urging Damagum to take action against Wike for alleged anti-party activities during the recent general elections. Additionally, Wike has been implicated in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which is governed by the PDP.

Damagum clarified that the party’s focus is on stabilizing and avoiding unnecessary crises. While acknowledging the need for discipline, he emphasized acting within the confines of the law and avoiding actions that could plunge the party into further turmoil.

He stated, “Our stand about Wike, I have always said this thing that as long as you are a member of the PDP, there is a time for everything. My duty is to stabilize this party and not to cause a crisis. And I will continue to do that within the confines of reason. When things go out of hand, we will act.”

Damagum asserted that the party, through its yet-to-be-inaugurated 2023 review committee, will assess the events of 2023 and recommend appropriate sanctions against individuals engaged in anti-party activities. He emphasized that the committee’s report would cover not only Wike but all individuals who have participated in such activities.

“If Wike believes he is above this party, we will be able to show him that he is not above this party,” Damagum declared, underlining the commitment to enforcing discipline within the party.