The upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scheduled for October 24, 2024, is shaping up to be a contentious affair, featuring a power struggle between state governors, former vice president and PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
This political tussle intensifies as the party grapples with internal strife, exemplified by the suspension of Ali Odefa, the National Vice Chairman for the South East zone, by the party’s local chapter in Oguduokwor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
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At the heart of the conflict is the quest for the position of substantive national chairman of the PDP.
Ambassador Iliya Damagum has served as acting chairman since Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s ouster, following his suspension by his ward in Gboko.
The PDP constitution, specifically Section 45(2), allows for an acting chairman until a replacement is elected, thereby complicating the party’s leadership dynamics.
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The current leadership issue is exacerbated by a recent victory for the Wike-led group over Atiku’s faction at a previous NEC meeting, suggesting a potential shift in control as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.
If the Wike faction chooses to replace the acting chairman, they are likely to leverage their influence in the North-Central zone to nominate candidates who align with their agenda.
Rumors indicate that Emmanuel Agbo, the former Deputy National Secretary and current Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, is being considered as a viable candidate for the national chairmanship.
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Additionally, David Ombagudu, a governorship candidate from Nasarawa State, may also receive support.
However, some analysts speculate that Damagum could find ways to retain his position until December 9, 2025, when the current NEC’s term officially ends, citing legal justifications from the PDP constitution.
Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, a PDP chieftain, has asserted that the North-Central geopolitical zone has the constitutional right to nominate Ayu’s successor.
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Ologbondiyan clarified that Section 47(6) of the PDP constitution, which was enforced in 2017, still holds relevance and will guide the process of filling the vacancy left by Ayu.
He encouraged party supporters to dismiss criticisms from those who believe they are above the party’s constitution and are merely seeking personal gain.
The push to remove Damagum has polarized the 13 state governors elected on the PDP platform. Seven governors, led by Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, advocate for Damagum’s removal, while four others, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, back his continued leadership.
The divide is evident as pro-Damagum governors ally with Wike, while some, such as Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun, have publicly opposed Damagum’s tenure.
Support for Damagum remains from several governors, including Makinde and Ahmadu Fintiri from Adamawa, while others, including Godwin Obaseki of Edo and Douye Diri of Bayelsa, oppose him.
Tensions between Atiku and Wike have simmered since last year’s elections, during which Wike and several governors publicly rejected Atiku’s presidential ambitions.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that Atiku has engaged with anti-Damagum factions and other key party stakeholders in a bid to unify the party.
Damagum has faced criticism for not implementing necessary reforms and for transferring control of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike instead of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This decision has further incensed the PDP Governors’ Forum, which contends that the party leadership in each state should rest with the elected governor.
The goal, as articulated by a source close to the situation, is not personal but rather to ensure the party’s integrity so it can offer a viable alternative to voters in future elections.
They assert that Damagum should return to his original role as Deputy National Chairman and facilitate the nomination of a North-Central replacement.
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Atiku’s allies are reportedly working to ensure compliance with the PDP constitution regarding the leadership issue, emphasizing that the party’s rules must be upheld.
As the October NEC meeting approaches, the extent to which these conflicting interests will influence the outcome remains uncertain.
