FCT Minister Nyesom Wike: “I Did Everything to Sustain Damagum, Yet He Sees Me as His Enemy”

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has declared that he personally ensured the survival of PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, despite mounting efforts to unseat him. Wike maintained that he “did everything” — including providing legal support — to secure Damagum’s position, but lamented that the party chairman now regards him as an enemy. Nyesom Wike revealed that there was no strategy left unexplored in the bid to keep Damagum in office. According to him, he went as far as engaging lawyers and using his political influence to resist the moves that threatened Damagum’s leadership.

Wike stressed that his actions were borne out of a desire to stabilise the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at a turbulent period. He insisted that his loyalty was clear, pointing to repeated interventions that preserved Damagum’s tenure when forces within the party had moved for his removal.

Wike Laments a Bitter Fallout with Damagum

Nyesom Wike expressed regret that the man he defended has now turned against him. “If there is one person Damagum wants to be killed, it is me,” he declared, portraying their relationship as one that shifted from alliance to hostility.

Wike noted that Damagum’s posture in recent months suggests deep resentment, despite the efforts that secured his leadership. He described the situation as a betrayal of confidence, stressing that he expected loyalty and mutual respect in return for his support.

Wike Warns PDP Unity at Risk

Nyesom Wike cautioned that his rift with Damagum reflects deeper divisions within the PDP. He argued that unresolved leadership disputes continue to undermine the party’s image, weaken its grassroots base, and threaten its chances in upcoming elections.

Wike underscored the need for clarity and fairness in the party’s leadership processes. He maintained that unless internal conflicts are resolved transparently, the PDP risks projecting disunity that political opponents could easily exploit.

Wike Insists on Legal and Political Resolution

Nyesom Wike reminded party stakeholders that his legal interventions kept Damagum in place, but warned that continued hostility could trigger further internal battles. He stressed that the PDP must either embrace reconciliation or face prolonged instability.

Wike suggested that negotiations, backed by party organs such as the Governors’ Forum and National Executive Committee, remain the only way forward. He warned that leaving disputes unresolved could result in lasting fractures within the PDP.