The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Damagum, describing him as a “tax collector” unfit to lead the opposition party.

Speaking during a television interview on Monday, Wike accused Damagum of lacking discipline and integrity, alleging that the chairman was not even in control of his own legal affairs during the party’s internal court battles.

Allegations of Instability and Financial Motives

Wike claimed personal responsibility for stabilizing Damagum’s position, stating, “Damagum does not even know who his lawyer was when we went to court. That was how we were able to stabilize and keep Damagum.”

The minister intensified his criticism by questioning Damagum’s motives, alleging that the PDP chairman is driven solely by financial gain. “But you see, as a tax collector, he will always be. Damagum is a tax collector… They think money is everything in life. They think they can never be steadfast,” Wike declared.

He openly challenged Damagum to sue him for defamation if the claims were false, asserting, “He knows he cannot.”

On Atiku’s Departure and PDP Defections

Wike also commented on the recent defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his allies to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating it was an inevitable move. He accused Atiku of having a history of destabilizing the PDP.

“Atiku has no choice but to go. Someone who wants to use the PDP, knowing that I am there, cannot get that platform. These are people who destroyed the party,” Wike said.

He further mocked critics who had previously accused him of working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pointing out the hypocrisy of their own defections.

“The man you claimed is working for APC to kill PDP is still in the PDP, and you people have run away to join the party you said I am working for,” he noted. When asked if he was pleased his critics had left the PDP, Wike dismissed them, saying, “They have never been committed.”