Ambassador Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has firmly rejected accusations that he is working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken his party.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Damagum dismissed claims that he met with President Bola Tinubu in England to sabotage the PDP. He affirmed his steadfast loyalty to the party since joining in 1999.

“May God judge us if I am working for the APC,” he declared.

Addressing criticism over his relationship with former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Damagum acknowledged their association but denied that their relationship was intended to harm the PDP.

“My only fault here is that I did not allow them to do what they wanted with him,” he said, referring to efforts by others within the party to exploit Wike.

Damagum also expressed regret over the defection of some PDP members to the APC, describing it as saddening but insisted defectors cannot claim they were mistreated by the party.

On internal divisions, Damagum acknowledged that disagreements are inevitable in any political organisation but stressed that the PDP remains united.

“PDP is one. There are internal problems because a party never lacks problems; its leaders are people, and everyone has their own interests,” he stated.

Defending his leadership style, Damagum emphasised his commitment to principles and his refusal to succumb to individual pressures.

His remarks come amid ongoing factional disputes and defections within the PDP as the party strives to restore unity ahead of future elections.