Chief Edwin Clark has urged Ambassador Illiya Damagum, the acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to step down from his position and prevent the party from collapsing under his leadership.
In an open letter dated April 24, 2024, addressed to Damagum, Clark expressed his disappointment with the state of affairs within the party. He criticized the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) for displaying “obvious weakness” by allowing Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to dominate the recent meeting, noting a lack of willingness among attendees to challenge authority.
Clark emphasized that Damagum’s leadership had confirmed suspicions that he was acting in line with Wike’s interests. He lamented Damagum’s apparent inaction in addressing the PDP crisis in Rivers State, including issues related to defections of PDP state lawmakers and the caretaker committee list.
In the letter, Clark highlighted concerns about Damagum’s perceived allegiance to Wike, suggesting that Damagum’s actions seemed to favor Wike’s agenda over the party’s welfare. He questioned the composition of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), implying that it appeared to be influenced by Wike’s influence.
Furthermore, Clark criticized the recent court order barring the PDP NWC from reviewing the Rivers State Caretaker Committee list, describing it as interference in the party’s internal affairs. He urged party members to challenge the court order in court, emphasizing the need for sincerity and honesty within the party leadership.
Clark expressed dismay at the NEC and NWC’s apparent disregard for the situation in Rivers State, attributing it to Damagum’s alleged ties to a controlling figure. He concluded by calling on Damagum to either “sit up” or resign from his position to prevent the collapse of the party under his watch.