The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has taken a new turn as the National Vice Chairman for the Southeast, Ray Nnaji, has raised an alarm over an alleged threat to his life by a party chieftain, Sampson Chukwu Nnamani.
Alleged Threat Over Suspension
Nnaji told reporters in Enugu that Nnamani's action followed his role in the latter's alleged suspension from the party. Nnaji alleged that Nnamani, who emerged as a factional governorship candidate of the party in the state, threatened him during a telephone conversation on May 23 after the PDP suspended him over alleged anti-party activities.
According to Nnaji, “On the 23rd of this month, he called me after 11 a.m. to tell me that I am a liar and that he is going to deal with me. He also said that whatever sickness happening to him should visit me.” The PDP zonal chairman said he initially dismissed the comments as a joke but later became concerned following subsequent developments.
Suspension and Gym Incident
Nnaji explained that the suspension was decided on May 22 after the party accused Nnamani of acts capable of undermining the PDP, adding that he was given an opportunity to defend himself but allegedly failed to do so. He further alleged that after participating in a radio programme where issues surrounding Nnamani’s suspension and alleged parallel party primaries were discussed, he was denied access to a gym facility located inside Nnamani’s hotel.
The PDP chieftain claimed he had been using the facility for over 10 years and had already paid for two months’ subscription before he was allegedly informed by security personnel that he had been barred from entering the gym on Nnamani’s instruction. “I was doing my exercise when two security men approached me and told me that Chief Sampson Chukwu Nnamani said I should no longer be allowed into the gym because I am now a security risk,” he alleged.
Call for Security Intervention
Nnaji said the incident compelled him to make the matter public and alert security agencies. “I want the press and the world to know that my life is in danger as far as Chief Sampson Chukwu Nnamani is concerned because he has said he is going to deal with me,” he said. He also linked the disagreement to controversies surrounding alleged parallel PDP primaries in which, according to him, some persons purportedly emerged as candidates outside the recognised party structure. Nnaji maintained that the PDP leadership rejected the outcome of the alleged parallel exercise, insisting that the party would not tolerate indiscipline.
Nnamani Denies Threat
But reacting to the allegation, Sampson Nnamani denied threatening the life of the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Ray Nnaji. Nnamani explained that he only instructed his manager to stop Nnaji from using the gym facility located in his hotel following the latter’s involvement in the purported suspension from the party. According to him, “I don’t have time for such things. The only issue was that he came to my house last Wednesday seeking financial assistance, and I gave him N3 million. Immediately the money was sent to him, he advised me to honour the PDP meeting for clarification, but I told him I was on drip and could not attend.
“Later, I received a message that I had been purportedly suspended from the party. So, I instructed my Manager to stop him from using my gym because such a person could be dangerous. Maybe he thought I would ask him to refund the money, but I gave him the money wholeheartedly. “Let him provide evidence of any threat to his life as he claimed,” Nnamani stated.
