Damagum Under Fire: Tension Rises As N/Central Leaders Scheme For His Replacement

The PDP has faced internal turmoil both before and after the 2023 general elections. Damagum has faced criticism from party members for failing to implement substantial reforms, leading to ongoing challenges for the party.

Tensions escalated when Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike publicly criticized Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the PDP Governors’ Forum over the party’s structural issues. This public discord has tarnished the party’s reputation and diminished its political standing.

In response, stakeholders from North Central are advocating for Damagum’s replacement, citing Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution, which stipulates that any vacancies should be filled by individuals from the same zone to complete the original term.

A senior NEC member from North Central, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed to The PUNCH that efforts to select a successor are underway, aiming to finalize the decision by the October 24 meeting.

The North Central caucus recently convened in Abuja, determining that presenting a unified candidate at the NEC meeting is essential for the party’s future. Potential candidates under consideration include former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and party figure Conrad Utaan.

The source stated, “We gathered at Stratton Hotel in Abuja, listened to presentations from various aspirants, and further meetings will take place to finalize our choice. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the party leader in the zone, is committed to consulting with additional stakeholders and convening a Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) meeting to select the most qualified candidate for the NEC meeting on October 24.”

These meetings aim to ensure that the NEC meeting proceeds as planned, as party leaders are adamant about adhering to the set date.

Kola Ologbondiyan, the former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, echoed this sentiment, cautioning against any delays in the NEC meeting, stressing its importance in determining the party’s next chairman.

Ologbondiyan remarked, “The North Central Caucus has convened and will meet again to affirm that the scheduled date for the NEC must be maintained. This meeting is vital for deciding Damagum’s successor. Stakeholders are mobilizing towards this date and are aware of attempts to postpone the meeting. We strongly advise against any delays.”

Conrad Utaan, an aspirant for the National Chairman role, shared that he recently had a two-hour interview with the North Central Caucus. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Utaan expressed hope that ongoing discussions would lead to a consensus candidate for the NEC meeting.

He elaborated, “I recently spoke with the North Central Executive Committee for two hours, and my message was positively received. There are also contenders from Kogi and another from Benue. Ultimately, the zonal leadership will decide on a micro-zoning formula. I expect the North Central zone to present a single candidate at the NEC meeting on October 24. This is not a national convention; one name will be presented and ratified at this meeting to become the new substantive chairman of the PDP.”