PDP Leadership Race Heats Up With Multiple Aspirants

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently facing a leadership crisis, with rising pressure on acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to resign.

Amid this conflict, some party leaders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, are supporting Damagum and want him to stay in his role.

On the other hand, many senior party members want leadership to return to the North Central zone, where the suspended former chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, is from. This situation has heightened tensions within the party, as several influential figures from the North Central region, especially from Benue State, are positioning themselves as potential successors.

One of the leading candidates is former Senate President David Mark, who is being seriously considered for the role. With the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting coming up, the party is at a critical point to resolve these leadership issues and find a way forward.

Although Mark has not officially announced his candidacy, many party stakeholders are encouraging him to step up. They see him as a stabilizing force that can help rebuild the party after months of internal conflicts. Mark has been involved with the PDP since its founding in 1998 and is respected for his experience as Senate president.

Another strong contender is former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, who served as the representative for Benue North East in the 9th Senate. Since expressing his interest in succeeding Damagum, Suswam has encountered opposition from his political rival, former Governor Samuel Ortom. Despite this resistance, Suswam remains a strong candidate and has promised to reposition the PDP if he gets the chance to lead.

Emmanuel Agbo, the Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, is also in the running. He previously served as the party’s Deputy National Secretary and is supported by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. Agbo’s appointment as DG was seen as a way to appease members of the North Central zone after Ayu’s suspension, making him a serious candidate for the chairmanship.

Additionally, Phillip Salawu, the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, has expressed his interest in the position. He believes that other states in the North Central zone should have the opportunity to complete Ayu’s term, instead of the chairmanship staying with Benue State.

Lastly, Engineer Conrad Utaan, who secured a ruling that confirmed Ayu’s suspension, is another possible candidate. Utaan, hailing from the same senatorial zone as Ayu, argues that he is best suited to finish Ayu’s tenure.

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