The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is reviewing the gubernatorial elections in Kogi and Imo states before determining its next course of action.
Party Chairman Umar Damagum addressed the media following a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja on Tuesday, emphasising the need for legal recourse for those with grievances despite the PDP’s reservations about the judiciary system.
“I want to take this opportunity to call on the judiciary to be responsive and responsible in dispensing justice in this country because we need this country,” Damagum stated. “This country is bigger than all of us. It will outlive all of us. Everyone should know that there is going to be a judgment day.”
Damagum appealed to Nigerians to maintain calm and pray for divine intervention in Nigeria’s affairs. He pledged the NWC’s commitment to safeguarding the party’s unity and strength.
He urged PDP members to engage in individual and collective introspection regarding their actions and inactions before, during, and after the elections.
“I want to assure them that we will continue to do justice. We are ready to take all the blame because after every election there will be blame, but all members should reflect on the roles they played during campaigns, during elections, and after,” Damagum explained. “We should have self-reflection so that at the end of the day, we shall know whether we are doing the right thing because we all need this party.”
“Our duty here is to make sure that this party remains indivisible,” he emphasised.
Regarding the internal party crisis over the office of national secretary, Damagum acknowledged conflicting court orders on the matter. He stated that the PDP is seeking an amicable resolution through alternative dispute resolution methods.
Damagum disclosed that the NWC had instructed both sides, Sam Anyanwu, who contested the Imo governorship election, and Sunday Udeh-Okoye, to withdraw their court cases and settle the matter internally.
“Since there are conflicting court orders, we urged the two sides to stand down. We have agreed and appointed the deputy national secretary to continue to act as Secretary pending the time we will resolve all the issues; the conflicting court orders and resolutions of the South East,” Damagum said.
