A group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives threatened to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on April 8, causing a significant split in the lower legislative chamber.
Meanwhile, the minority leaders of the opposition parties in the House have distanced themselves from the 60 lawmakers who demanded the resignation of the PDP acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, over alleged anti-party activities.
The Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers stated that they would leave the PDP if Damagum did not step down to allow for the appointment of a new acting chairman from the north-central region, where the suspended national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, is from.
In response, the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, along with other leaders of the caucus, issued a statement on Tuesday disavowing the coalition led by Ikenga Ugochinyere, stating that it was not recognized by the parliament.
The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to a press release by the group, and we state unequivocally that the minority caucus and the PDP caucus dissociate themselves from the said press statement.
“The said coalition of lawmakers led by Ikenga Ugochinyere is unknown to the parliament, and both caucuses condemn in totality the absurd move, the uncouth and unparliamentary language of the group.
“The general public should take note that such a coalition is unknown to parliament, and their demands do not represent that of the minority parties.
“The said lawmakers should desist from further misinformation of the public and be more honourable in their conduct.”
