Umar Damagum, the embattled Acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized Nigerians who supported the current government under President Bola Tinubu, suggesting they are now suffering the consequences of trading their votes for items like spaghetti and wrappers.
Damagum emphasized that the ongoing hardships many are experiencing should serve as a lesson to prioritize credible and capable leaders over short-term inducements.
His remarks come after a visit to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, as part of efforts to address the internal crisis currently affecting the party. Damagum, who was reportedly suspended by a faction of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) along with National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu for alleged disloyalty, spoke to journalists following a closed-door meeting with the governor and other PDP stakeholders.
“The APC was never ready to govern, so what good could possibly come from them?” Damagum questioned. “Those who accepted spaghetti and wrappers to bring in this government are suffering the most, and this should serve as a lesson. We must seek credible, proven, and tested leaders who are genuinely prepared to govern, not those who simply say, ‘emi lo kan.’”
He expressed concern over the continued hardships faced by many Nigerians, attributing them to policies implemented by Tinubu’s administration under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response to Damagum’s visit, Governor Bala Mohammed denied the existence of any factions within the PDP and reassured that the issues of suspension and internal crises would be resolved amicably.