PDP Chairman, Damagum Denies Defection Rumors•••Says It’s Baseless, Smear Campaign, Plot To Defame My Personality
•By Admin
ABUJA – The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, has come out strong to condemn the fake and malicious report in a section of the media, alleging that he’s considering defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Damagum, who said he remains committed to the unity and reconciliation of PDP, added that the reported defection rumour is a baseless report, authored by faceless individuals, to smear and defame his person.
Damagum, in a statement by his Personal Assistant, Nuru Shehu Jos, said that few disgruntled individuals, within the party, have resorted to cheap blackmail in a desperate attempt to sabotage his efforts.
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 Northeast zone, were peaceful, successful, and widely conducted without rancor.
“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 agendas, 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.
“Ambassador Damagum is 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.”
•INDEPENDENTNG.