*Task PDP governors to act fast to save democracy from collapsing
By; ARCHIBONG ESUENE, Makurdi
A group, comprising over 40 prominent associations, Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF) has warned of imminent dangers of Nigeria sliding into a one party state, if the current national chairman of the main opposition, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun remains in office.
The warning was sounded during a visit to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, as part of North Central tour by NYLF, today, Thursday May 9, 2024.
President of the NYLF, Comrade Afiyo Elliot while delivering his remarks at the meeting held with key stakeholders, expressed worries that should Damagum remain in office, PDP will become extinct.
“We are in the state as part of our consultation process towards addressing the danger signals emanating from the unexpected political intrigues from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“These danger signals if not
properly checked and curtailed, may lead to the collapse of democracy in our country.
“Though politics cannot be separated or detached from scheming and manipulations, however, they should not be prioritized above the collective national interest.In this regard, we decide to engage in this enlightenment campaign and awareness so as to checkmate and stop this evil trend of political manipulations geared towards a one –party system which is inimical to the survival of democracy in our nation.
“Consequently, we have been engaging the political stakeholders especially those in the PDP in order to rise up and correct these political dangerous intrigues by some few individuals because of their inordinate ambitions,” he said.
Comrade Afiyo stressed that to this end, they would like to call on the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun to resign within two weeks, be suspended or removed by the NWC or the NEC respectively.
“From the reports we are receiving and the outcome of our meetings with the stakeholders, if any of these measures are not taken within two weeks, PDP will be a forgotten party and Nigerians should brace up for a one -party system with its consequences thereafter.
“In view of the above, we call on the critical stakeholders of PDP from the North –Central geopolitical Zone, to as a matter of urgency, rise up and demand for the office of the National Chairman of the Party so as to assuage the dissenting and offended Members who are dejected and disappointed because of the lopsided and unjustified occupation and retention of Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun as the Acting National Chairman for almost a year,” NYLF President said.
The group therefore, strongly commended the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the PDP, especially the Chairman, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator A. Wabara whom they said, is always an advocate and strong believer of justice and fairness.
They appealed to the Governors’Forum of the PDP to join the train to salvage the party.
“In conclusion, we want to state clearly that the NYLF will do everything possible within the confines of the law to continue to fight against all means and ways that may lead us to one –party state.
“This is our standpoint and there is no going back,” he warned.