Wike’s Influence Still Strong? PDP Acting Chairman Damagum Says Alliance Is Strategic

ABUJA – Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, has strongly refuted allegations of collusion with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He also defended his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in the face of growing internal criticism.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Damagum directly addressed the accusations, dismissing claims that he is acting on behalf of the APC and reaffirming his steadfast loyalty to the PDP.

“May God judge between me and anyone who slanders me, and may God judge us if I am indeed working for the APC,” he said, referring to rumors that he met President Bola Tinubu in England. He stressed his deep-rooted loyalty to the PDP, saying, “Since joining the PDP in 1999, I have never defected. Those who dislike me must find a way to either praise or criticize me to suit their agenda.”

Damagum also responded to backlash over his relationship with Wike, a key figure in the APC-led administration. While acknowledging his ties with the FCT Minister, he rejected any notion of impropriety.

“For those accusing me of being close to Wike, yes, I know him—and many of those making these accusations have had connections with him too. My only ‘crime’ is not allowing them to manipulate him for their personal interests,” he asserted.

He expressed regret over recent defections from the PDP to the APC, calling it a painful loss but rejecting claims that those who left were mistreated.

“It’s always a sad moment to lose anyone, even a single member. But none of the defectors can truthfully say they were treated unfairly by the party,” Damagum said.

Addressing internal party rifts, he acknowledged that disagreements are part of political life but maintained that the PDP remains intact.

“There are internal issues, yes, but PDP is still one. No political party is free of problems because parties are made up of people—and people naturally have different interests,” he explained.

Damagum also defended his approach to leadership, stressing that he governs by principle rather than yielding to individual demands. He noted that much of the criticism intensified after the party’s electoral setbacks, but he remains committed to leading with transparency and integrity.