The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, describing him as a “tax collector” unfit to lead the opposition party.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent member of the PDP’s G-5 group, made the remarks on Monday while addressing journalists in Abuja. He accused Damagum of lacking the integrity, discipline, and courage needed to reposition the party and provide credible opposition.
According to Wike, the current leadership of the PDP has “abandoned the principles of fairness and internal democracy,” choosing instead to serve personal and sectional interests.
“Damagum is nothing but a tax collector. He has no discipline, no integrity, and no capacity to lead a serious political party,” Wike said. “The PDP I knew is not the one being run today. It has become a shadow of itself.”
The minister, who has often criticized the PDP’s leadership since leaving office as governor, reiterated that he remained committed to truth and accountability within the political system.
Wike’s latest outburst adds to the growing tension within the PDP, where internal divisions continue to deepen over leadership, zoning, and strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party sources say Damagum, who has been acting as national chairman since the suspension of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, is facing increasing pressure from key stakeholders calling for a comprehensive reform of the party’s leadership structure.
As of press time, the PDP National Working Committee had yet to respond to Wike’s comments.
