Why PDP Leaders Are Divided Over Damagum’s Future

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently experiencing internal conflicts as two different factions within the party argue over the future of its acting national chairman, Illiya Damagum.

These disagreements surfaced after separate meetings with prominent governors sent mixed signals about Damagum’s role.

GWG.ng reports that One group, which includes members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), met with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed on Tuesday. Reports indicate that Governor Mohammed suggested that Damagum’s tenure might be coming to an end, and the party was looking into replacing him.

In a statement, Governor Mohammed highlighted that the party’s constitution requires any leadership vacancy to be filled by someone from the region where it originated. This suggests that the Northcentral zone should now take over the role.

He explained that Damagum, who is from the Northeast, no longer fits the position, and the Northcentral should be given the opportunity. He referenced a past situation when Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, a former governor of Bauchi State, became the PDP National Chairman after Bamanga Tukur, also from the Northeast, stepped down.

Reading the summary of his meeting with a faction of the NWC, Governor Mohammed stated, “My brother from the Northeast is currently serving as Acting National Chairman, which is constitutionally inappropriate. According to our party’s constitution, any leadership vacancy should be filled by someone from the region where it originated. Northcentral has been eager for this opportunity, and we’ve discussed this issue. We are committed to working with the NWC and the party to ensure that the Northcentral is given the chance to assume this responsibility.”

The NWC delegation that met with Governor Mohammed was led by National Legal Adviser, Kamaluddeen Adeyemi, and included National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, National Vice Chairman (Northeast), Emmanuel Bovao, National Treasurer, Ahmed Yayari, National Women Leader, Amina Bryhm, National Financial Secretary, W.A. Daniel, and others.

In contrast, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during a separate meeting in Ibadan with Damagum and another group from the NWC, expressed his strong support for the acting national chairman. Makinde assured Damagum of his complete backing and stressed the importance of unity within the party, particularly with the upcoming Edo governorship election.

“I was reading yesterday (Tuesday) that there was another meeting in Bauchi by some NWC members. Let me say clearly that I have been discussing with my brother, and let me tell you that we are 100 percent in support of the Damagum-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition our party,” he said.

Makinde also emphasized that this is not the right time for internal disputes, especially with an important election on the horizon. “Even if we have issues within ourselves, we have an important election on Saturday. So, we should all just rally around and deliver our candidate,” he added.

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