The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Damagum, has refuted allegations of incompetence and collusion with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

This is as he defended his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,Nyesom Wike, following mounting criticism within the party.

Damagun, in an interview with BBC Hausa, addressed the accusations, dismissing claims that he is a puppet of the APC and reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP.

“May God be the judge between me and whoever slandered me, and may God judge us, if I am working for the APC,” he said, referring to allegations that he met with President Bola Tinubu in England.

The PDP acting National Chairman stressed his long-standing commitment to the PDP, stating that he had a history since he joined the PDP in 1999, adding that he had never defected.

He said those who dislike him would have to find ways to either praise or criticise him to get what they want.

Damagum also responded to criticisms regarding his relationship with Wike, a prominent figure in the APC government, acknowledging their association but denied any wrongdoing.

“For all those who accuse me of having links with the Minister of FCT, I know him or have had links with him, and many of them have had links with him. My only fault here is that I did not allow them to do what they wanted with him,” he said.

The PDP chairman expressed disappointment over the defection of some party members to the APC, describing it as a loss but denying any mistreatment of those who left.

While addressing internal divisions within the PDP, Damagum admitted that disagreements are inevitable in any political party but maintained that the PDP remains united.