Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark penned an open letter to the acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Iliya Damagun, admonishing him for allegedly being influenced by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and jeopardizing the party’s prospects.
In a letter dated April 24, 2024, and released to the media in Abuja, Clark accused Damagun of relinquishing control of the recent meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to Wike, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration. Clark reiterated his membership in the main opposition party.
The leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) recounted his prior correspondence with Damagun regarding the necessity of taking decisive action to salvage the party. However, he lamented that his concerns were validated by the outcome of the meeting.
Clark expressed disappointment with the NEC’s handling of critical issues affecting the party, attributing the outcome to Wike’s dominance during the proceedings. He criticized the NEC’s emphasis on reconciliation rather than addressing the party’s pressing challenges.
The elder statesman raised questions about the sincerity of PDP members who criticize the government’s policies while aligning with Wike, whom he described as a significant figure in the administration of President Tinubu.
Clark alleged that Wike played a pivotal role in Damagun’s appointment as the PDP acting national chairman, suggesting that Damagun may be inclined to defer to the FCT minister. He accused the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) of being influenced by Wike’s interests.
Regarding the situation in Rivers State, Clark commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for navigating obstacles created by Wike and asserted that the 27 PDP members who defected to the APC were no longer legitimate members of the state house of assembly.
He questioned Damagun’s inaction in response to the defection and criticized him for failing to intervene in the Rivers State crisis. Clark urged Damagun to take action to address the challenges facing the party.
Clark also accused Wike of manipulating the formation of PDP caretaker committees in Rivers State with APC members and emphasized the need for Wike to be held accountable for his actions.
Furthermore, Clark condemned the use of court ex parte motions to obstruct leading PDP members from participating in the recent NEC meeting, urging the party leadership to challenge the court order.
In conclusion, Clark urged Damagun to either rectify the situation or resign from his position to prevent the collapse of the party.
