The Northern Elders Unity Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a withering attack on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and his political supporters, accusing them of scheming to destroy the PDP and cripple Nigerian opposition politics.
In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its 18th General Meeting, the Forum reaffirmed its unwavering confidence in the leadership of the PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum, while condemning what it described as “desperate attempts” by some party members to derail the party’s upcoming national convention, which is scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Dr. Abbas Sadauki (Dan Madamin Tofa), the Forum’s National Secretary, said in a strongly worded statement that the decision to defend the party’s unity was unanimous and determined.
“No amount of political intimidation, blackmail, or lies against the unity of the party will stop the successful organization of the national convention in Ibadan,” he told the crowd.
Dr. Sadauki accused some members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) of working with outside political forces to undermine the party from inside.
“Those misleading groups within the party to scuttle the convention are mere jokers—predators unleashed against the collective interest. “Their unholy alliance with enemies of progress will soon end in political shame and regret,” he said.
The party alleged that the ongoing sabotage within the PDP was being driven by Wike’s political influence and personal ambitions. “It is unfortunate that some ungrateful elements, under the guidance of Mr. Nyesom Wike, are bent on destroying everything good about the PDP and other opposition movements. Whether through court cases or misuse of power, their mission is clear—to wreck the party. But they will fail,” Sadauki warned.
The group expressed complete support for the existing leadership and praised Ambassador Damagum and other loyal stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to guide the party toward unity and regeneration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The commitment shown by Ambassador Damagum and genuine party leaders is a patriotic sacrifice aimed at rebuilding and repositioning the PDP for future victory,” the statement added.
The Forum also warned the courts and President Bola Tinubu about political actors who are reportedly attempting to exploit institutions in order to destabilize democracy.
It urged the judges not to be influenced by “desperate elements” who have become eager tools in destroying democracy, characterizing them as opponents of development and burdens on the nation.
The Northern Elders Forum reaffirmed its unwavering devotion to the PDP leadership, insisting that the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) decision to proceed with the national convention remained binding and must be followed by all party members.
The Forum concluded that its support for Ambassador Damagum’s leadership remains unwavering, encouraging all disciplined members to support the NEC’s decision and defend the party’s unity, integrity, and future.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
