, has strongly refuted accusations of disloyalty to the party and dismissed suggestions that he is secretly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).){kind=link}
Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, the acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly refuted accusations of disloyalty to the party and dismissed suggestions that he is secretly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Damagum addressed ongoing criticism within the PDP, particularly claims that he is ineffective or serving external interests.
He firmly rejected these narratives and maintained that his political loyalty lies solely with the PDP.
“Let God be the judge between me and those making these accusations. If I am guilty of what they claim, may the truth be known,” Damagum said, responding to rumors that he recently held meetings with President Bola Tinubu abroad.
He stressed that he has never left the PDP since joining in 1999, underscoring his long-standing commitment to the party.
According to him, criticism from some quarters is simply a tactic to discredit his leadership.
Responding to the backlash over his ties with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a prominent member of the APC, Damagum admitted knowing Wike but said many in the party do as well.
“My only offense, it seems, is not letting others manipulate my relationship with him for their own agenda,” he stated.
On the recent wave of defections from the PDP, Damagum expressed disappointment but insisted that no one who left the party could claim they were unfairly treated.
“Losing members is never a good thing. But those who left did so on their own terms, not because the party wronged them,” he added.
He also touched on the internal tensions within the PDP, noting that disagreements are natural in any political party.
Despite these challenges, he emphasized that the PDP remains intact and continues to function as a united body.
“Every party has its issues. People have different goals and interests, but the PDP is still one family,” he said.
Defending his leadership, Damagum said he prioritizes fairness and accountability, and does not allow personal interests to influence party decisions.
He believes that much of the criticism he faces stems from the fallout of the party’s electoral losses, but reaffirmed his resolve to lead with integrity and commitment.