Umar Sani, Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, has cautioned that involving security agencies in the ongoing internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could worsen the situation.
Reacting to a call by the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, on security operatives to go after those factionalizing the party, Sani emphasized that such an approach might escalate tensions and make it more difficult to find a resolution.
Damagum
Sani made this statement during an interview with Arise News, following warnings issued by the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) to suspended members not to force entry into the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
The NWC had cautioned members of a faction led by National Treasurer Yayari Mohammed that any attempt to breach security would be met with a firm response from security operatives.
“Involving security agencies in a purely internal matter goes beyond common sense,” Sani argued. “Efforts are already underway within the party to resolve the issue, and bringing in security forces will only complicate and deepen the crisis.”
Sani also underlined the pivotal role of the PDP Governors’ Forum, describing it as the party’s most influential pressure group.
Wike vs Atiku
He noted that the Forum, which had been largely inactive in recent times, has now reemerged as a critical player in the resolution of the crisis.
“The issue has been oversimplified, with many framing it as a clash between Abubakar Atiku and Nyesom Wike,” Sani stated.
“But the real driving force is the Governors’ Forum, which had been dormant but has now awakened. The Forum is actively working to resolve the crisis. While a court order may prevent the removal of officials, it does not stop the party from suspending members or imposing discipline.”
Addressing concerns about the lack of disciplinary action against Wike, Sani explained that no committee was in place at the time of Wike’s alleged infractions.
However, with the recent formation of a disciplinary committee led by Chief Tom Ikimi, he urged party members to allow the committee to complete its work before jumping to conclusions.
“There was no disciplinary committee when Wike allegedly violated party rules,” Sani said. “Now that we have a committee in place, let’s give them time to do their job before assuming Wike is above party rules. Let’s see if they recommend disciplinary action against him.”
NEC Meeting
Sani further lamented the impact of the party’s internal strife, stating that the PDP’s inability to resolve its internal issues has hampered its effectiveness as the primary opposition party.
“Instead of focusing on challenging the ruling party, we are fighting ourselves. The PDP has become stagnant at a time when it should be the most vibrant opposition,” he said.
He believes the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24 will be crucial in determining the party’s future direction.