The internal discord among governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the continued leadership of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has intensified, with several governors publicly voicing their positions through social media and public statements.
At the heart of this divide is a brewing proxy battle between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, alongside certain governors who are positioning themselves for political relevance beyond the 2027 elections.
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Out of the 13 PDP governors, four — Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa) — will be completing their second terms by 2027 and are eager to secure political successors.
This has driven the desire among these governors to influence the direction of the party’s leadership ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for October 24, 2024.
Wike and his loyalists, including some governors, are pushing for Damagum to remain in office until the party’s next national convention.
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However, Atiku’s camp seeks a chairman from the North-Central zone to replace Damagum, arguing that the position should not remain in the Northeast.
A PDP insider revealed that personal political ambitions are tearing the governors apart.
“Many of them want a party leadership that can back their political ambitions in 2027 and beyond. Governors like Makinde and Mohammed are rumored to have presidential aspirations, which adds another layer of complexity to the struggle for control.”
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While Fintiri, Makinde, Agbu (Taraba), and Muftwang (Plateau) are leading the campaign for Damagum’s continued stay, Bala Mohammed, Adeleke (Osun), and others are calling for a replacement from the North-Central region.
Bala Mohammed recently hosted members of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Bauchi, where he advocated for a new chairman from the North-Central in accordance with the party’s constitution.
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Meanwhile, in a contrasting move, Makinde, during a meeting in Ibadan with Damagum and other NWC members, pledged his unwavering support for Damagum’s leadership.
Amidst the growing tension, the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, has been engaging party stakeholders in ongoing efforts to mediate and resolve the conflict.
Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, remains optimistic, stating, “The PDP has always weathered its internal storms. We have overcome challenges before, and we will do so again. Nigerians should continue to trust in our party.”
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As the October NEC meeting approaches, all eyes are on how the PDP will navigate this leadership tussle, which could have far-reaching implications for the party’s future, especially as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
