G60, a group of opposition members of the House of Representatives, has accused acting PDP national chairman Damagum, and secretary, Sen, Anyanwu, of anti-party conduct
A group of opposition members of the House of Representatives self-styled as ‘G60,’ within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused the acting national chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, and national secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, of anti-party activities.
The lawmakers accuse both officials of orchestrating a plot that could potentially lead to the collapse of the PDP, one of Nigeria’s major political parties.
The opposition group also accused the party leaders of a covert plot to sabotage the PDP by aiding defected former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly with legal backing to attempt to impeach the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara and remove him from office.
The group claims that Damagum and Anyanwu are working to sabotage the party by insisting on an appeal that the PDP national legal adviser had previously withdrawn. The appeal is related to a contentious legal case (PHC/2177/CS/2024) involving the defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
ALSO READ: 2027: G-60 minority lawmakers accuse Damagum of destroying PDP to pave way for APC
According to the G60 spokesperson, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP Imo), the unauthorized appeal was initially filed by Dr. J.Y. Musa, SAN, allegedly acting under the influence of former Governor Nyesom Wike, who has been accused of engaging in anti-party activities. The PDP national legal adviser, Mr. Ajibade, SAN, subsequently withdrew the appeal on July 24, 2024, to protect the party’s interests.
However, on August 15, 2024, Damagum and Anyanwu reportedly sent a letter to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, dissociating themselves from the withdrawal of Appeal No. CA/PH/307/2024 by Mr. Ajibade.
“This letter represents a blatant disregard for the constitutional authority of the PDP national legal adviser and a clear attempt to undermine the interests of the PDP” Ugochinyere maintained
The G60 lawmakers said it viewed this move as a direct attack on the party’s unity and democratic principles. “This plot is not just an internal issue; it threatens the very foundation of our democracy and the sanctity of our legal institutions,” Ugochinyere stated.
The crux of the controversy lies in the conflicting representations of the PDP in court. During a hearing on July 15, 2024, Dr. Musa, SAN, claimed to represent the PDP, an assertion challenged by Mr. Femi Bobade, Esq., who appeared on behalf of the PDP national legal adviser. The court, unable to resolve the dispute over representation, adjourned the case to October 14, 2024, and extended an interim order restraining the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission and the state’s chief judge from recognizing the defected lawmakers.
The G60 lawmakers are demanding immediate action from the PDP to address what they described as a “calculated and deliberate attempt” to undermine the party. They have called for the reaffirmation of the legal adviser’s authority, the initiation of legal and disciplinary proceedings against Damagum and Anyanwu, and a broader effort to restore internal unity within the PDP.
They warned that if these actions are not taken, the party risks fragmentation, loss of public trust, and further legal and financial repercussions.
“The PDP must stand united in the face of this betrayal,” Ugochinyere urged. “We call on all members of the PDP and well-meaning Nigerians to join us in defending the integrity of our party and ensuring that justice prevails.”
The group vowed to continue its fight to protect the PDP’s integrity and ensure that the party remains a strong opposition force in the country.
OrderPaper recalls that the acclaimed G60 leader Rep. Ugochinyere had in May accused Damagum of acting out a script in an attempt to destroy the party (PDP) and render it incapable of winning majority seats in 2027 elections.
