PDP Leadership Crisis Denied As Damagum Poised To Retain Acting Chairmanship

PDP Leadership Crisis Denied As Damagum Poised To Retain Acting Chairmanship

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting approaches on November 28, indications are that Ambassador Umar Damagum will continue as the Acting National Chairman until the next national convention. However, the date for this...READ MORE…

convention is still under discussion, with party stakeholders deliberating on the matter.

Meanwhile, PDP State Chairmen across Nigeria’s 36 states have dismissed rumors of a crisis within the party, calling them “mere speculations” and efforts by detractors to create division.

Following a closed-door meeting with the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja, Hon. Austine Nwachukwu, the Acting Chairman of the State Chairmen forum, clarified that the purpose of the meeting was to build unity and strengthen collaboration, especially following recent state congresses.

“The meeting was held to familiarize ourselves with the NWC. The NWC felt it was important to bring everyone together after the congresses to ensure unity,” Nwachukwu said. He also pointed out that the ongoing zonal congresses and the availability of nomination forms for aspirants were discussed.

Addressing the rumors of internal conflict, Nwachukwu stated, “What is being called a crisis is nothing more than cosmetic. The party leadership remains intact, and any concerns are being resolved internally.”

An anonymous NEC member confirmed that a court ruling currently prevents the PDP Board of Trustees and NEC from removing Damagum as Chairman. “The judgment has not been appealed or overturned, so there is no vacancy to fill,” the source added.

Efforts to appoint a permanent chairman from the North Central zone have been hindered by a lack of consensus. The zone is split over whether to elect someone to complete the tenure of former Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu or to select a new chairman for a full four-year term.

Kola Ologbondiyan, former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, has suggested that Damagum should return to his position as Deputy National Chairman (North) to allow the North Central zone to select a substantive chairman, arguing that Damagum holding both positions violates the party’s constitution.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, the only PDP governor from the North Central zone, is expected to organize a stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the NEC session. However, reports suggest that Mutfwang and other leaders may align with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has been a major financier of the PDP, in supporting Damagum’s continued leadership.

Wike has criticized internal opponents for undermining his efforts, especially accusing Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed of failing to mobilize party resources effectively.

With the NEC meeting just around the corner, the PDP is under pressure to resolve its leadership issues and steer the party in a unified direction moving forward.

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