There is ongoing turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as calls for the replacement of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum intensify, revealing deepening divisions among the PDP Governors’ Forum.
A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, speaking anonymously to DAILY GAZETTE, indicated that alongside Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Damagum enjoys the backing of at least four governors: Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.
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While Enugu and Zamfara state governors, Peter Mbah and Dauda Lawal, remain neutral, seven other PDP governors are advocating for Damagum’s ousting.
This faction is led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, and includes Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
According to the source, “Oyo State Governor Makinde leads three other governors who are friends of Wike, and they are backing Damagum to continue in his acting role.”
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Since Damagum took over after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court-ordered removal, he has faced increasing scrutiny and calls for resignation from party leaders.
Tensions escalated when Damagum and other NWC members supported Wike’s controversial Rivers State PDP Congresses and postponed the National Executive Committee meeting from September 26 to October 24.
The conflict between Wike and the current Rivers State Governor intensified on August 24, as other PDP governors expressed support for Fubara, calling for a review of the Rivers State Congresses.
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In response, Wike threatened on August 31 to disrupt activities in the governors’ states if they continued to meddle in Rivers State affairs, which prompted the PDP Governors’ Forum to label his threat as irresponsible on September 3.
Wike has stood firm, stating he will not retract his threat concerning actions in PDP states.
While hosting five NWC members in Bauchi, Mohammed dismissed Wike’s threat and suggested that the North Central region would propose Damagum’s successor.
In a display of support for Damagum, Makinde assured him on Wednesday of the backing from his group to help reposition the PDP.
“I am glad that the National Working Committee of our party is here. Let me say it clearly that we are 100 percent in support of the Damagum-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition the party,” Makinde declared.
The source further noted that Enugu and Zamfara state governors remain indifferent to the leadership crisis.
He remarked, “Wike is not alone. He enjoys the support of the PDP governors and other party stakeholders. Makinde has always been Wike’s close friend; governors of Taraba, Plateau, and most surprisingly, Adamawa State are with them.”
Fintiri, the Adamawa State governor, publicly expressed his support for Damagum on X, stating, “Solidly in support of Amb. Umar Damagum as National Chairman of @OfficialPDPNig! His leadership has restored public confidence, and we are confident he will steer the party to greater heights.”
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The North-East caucus of the PDP has officially endorsed Damagum’s leadership, with Fintiri emphasizing that he should complete former Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure unless the court rules otherwise.
He urged party members to respect the court’s decision, stating, “The performance of the party in the North-East region during the 2023 elections was unprecedented at all levels.”
Conversely, Osun State Governor Adeleke publicly opposed Damagum, asserting that the party must adhere to its Constitution regarding succession.
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“I stand by the Constitution of our great party, which clearly spells out the succession procedure in case of the exit of an elected chairman,” he said.
Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Chairman Adolphus Wabara, held a closed-door meeting with the PDP caucus in the National Assembly on Thursday.
Wabara described the discussions as peaceful, following a similar meeting with Wike on Tuesday.
The PDP BoT convened this latest meeting to gauge sentiments regarding the party’s challenges and to encourage calm, as well as to propose recommendations for resolution.
