By Abiola Olawale
A former military Governor of Ondo State and a former deputy National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has once again stepped into the fray to address the ongoing turmoil affecting the party.
George, a former deputy national chair (south) of the PDP, called for the immediate removal of Illiya Damagun from the position of Acting National Chairman of the PDP.
George, who spoke on the situation in PDP, stated that the continued stay of Damagun is against the party’s constitution and amounts to damaging the PDP.
George articulated a significant concern regarding the provisions outlined in the PDP Constitution, which stipulates that an acting national chairman may serve for a maximum of 90 days.
The PDP Chieftain further explained that the designated period is intended to facilitate the appointment of a substantive chairman who would assume the responsibilities of the acting leader.
He pointed out that Damagum’s appointment occurred on March 28, 2023, following the resignation of his predecessor, adding that his tenure as acting chairman has now exceeded the constitutionally prescribed time limit.
George also contended that the party’s failure to appoint a substantive chairman within the constitutional timeframe has created a leadership vacuum that undermines the party’s integrity.
The PDP Chieftain expressed his concerns over the ongoing turmoil within the party, attributing it to a fierce struggle for power characterized by personal ambitions and the quest for supremacy as the 2027 general elections approach.
He voiced his disappointment, highlighting that “certain members of the party, who consider themselves irreplaceable, have hindered the enforcement of the PDP Constitution, creating significant obstacles to progress and unity within the party.”
It would be recalled that the PDP has been divided between those advocating for Damagun’s support and those opposing his continued tenure.
Damagum has consistently been accused by some PDP leaders, including federal lawmakers elected under the party, of doing the bidding of the All Progressives Congress(APC).
It is believed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is an ally of Damagum.
Also, it was learnt that Damagum’s travail is an offshoot of the broader battle for the control of PDP between camps loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Wike.
