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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja
Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has strongly refuted recent media reports suggesting he is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the allegation as a baseless and malicious attempt to tarnish his reputation.
Damagum reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the unity, growth, and reconciliation efforts within the PDP, stating that the rumour was fabricated by faceless elements determined to discredit his leadership and distract from his ongoing efforts to reposition the party.
In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant, Nuru Jos, Damagum accused a handful of disgruntled individuals within the party of resorting to cheap blackmail in a desperate bid to undermine his work and destabilize the party.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Office of the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), His Excellency, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, has been drawn to a fake and malicious news item circulated by an obscure platform, alleging that the Acting National Chairman is considering defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This baseless report, authored by faceless individuals, was clearly fashioned to smear and defame the person and leadership of Ambassador Damagum.
“To set the record straight, let the world know that all Ward, Local Government, and Zonal congresses conducted in Yobe State, including those in the North-East zone, were peaceful, successful, and widely conducted without rancour.
“Unfortunately, a few disgruntled individuals, unable to deliver or prove their relevance within the party, have resorted to cheap blackmail in a desperate attempt to sabotage the efforts of the hardworking Acting National Chairman.
“The smear campaign is being orchestrated by internal saboteurs who, failing to impose impunity and personal agenda, falsely accuse Ambassador Damagum of standing in their way. Their displeasure stems from his principled stand against the arbitrary removal of elected officers and his refusal to yield to sectional interests.
“Let it be clearly stated: the PDP in Yobe State, under the able influence of Ambassador Damagum, remains strong, united, and healthy. He will continue to work diligently to stabilize and reposition the party from the grassroots in his home state and across the nation.
“Mischief-makers must desist from their divisive antics and instead support the reforms being led by Ambassador Damagum to reposition the PDP for a stronger outing in the 2027 general elections.”
The statement further described Damagum as “a leader committed to the core values of equity, justice, and fairness. He remains above petty politics and remains impartial in all internal party affairs. It is this sense of balance that has earned him the confidence and backing of the party’s stakeholders across the board. Hence, Damagum will remain committed to the unity and reconciliation of our great party—the PDP.
“The public is therefore advised to disregard the sponsored falsehood being peddled by faceless sponsors.
” His Excellency Ambassador Umar Damagum remains resolute in his leadership, focused on building a more united and formidable PDP.” The statement read.