Umar Damagum is poised to retain his position as the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until next year.
This comes as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) prepares to meet with the 36 state chairmen and the FCT chairman at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to sources, the meeting is primarily a familiarization session between the NWC and the newly elected state chairmen. However, it is likely that additional discussions will take place, where Damagum’s supporters will seek to secure the backing and commitment of the majority of the state chairmen ahead of the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The source said, “The NEC meeting will proceed as planned, but Damagum will continue as the party’s acting national chairman until further notice. This is because many members and key stakeholders are now less focused on replacing him for a term shorter than 10 months when they could instead have a permanent chairman who would serve a full 4-year term.
“The delay in finding a replacement has led many to lose interest in the matter. With an elective PDP convention scheduled between October and November 2025, party leaders have shifted their focus to managing Damagum, despite his shortcomings, until the next convention. This convention will elect a new NWC for a 4-year term and select party candidates for the 2027 elections.
“In addition to these reasons, there are ongoing legal disputes surrounding the issue. While these can potentially be navigated, some party leaders want to avoid actions that could lead to more litigation.
“Moreover, the Wike group backing Damagum has expanded its influence into the North-Central zone. As a result, the zone, led by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has not yet convened to propose a replacement for Damagum. Therefore, Damagum will remain in his acting role for now.”
He continued, “As part of these engagements, a meeting is scheduled for Wednesday (today) where Damagum and members of the NWC will meet with the 36 state chairmen and the FCT.
“According to the meeting agenda, it is primarily a familiarisation session between the NWC and the newly elected state chairmen.
“However, it is likely that additional discussions will take place, where Damagum’s supporters will seek to secure the backing and commitment of the majority, if not all, of the state chairmen ahead of the NEC meeting.
“They will garner their support and prepare them for any unexpected developments. Since not all NEC members have voting rights, don’t be surprised if a vote of confidence is passed on Damagum on November 28, allowing him to continue in his acting capacity.”
Another source confirmed that the notice of the 99th NEC could be sent out this week.
The source stated, “The NEC will proceed as scheduled, and in fact, the notice is expected to be released this week.
“Some party members are simply causing unnecessary worry over Damagum. He didn’t push himself into the role; the constitution granted him that position.
“Any replacement for an NWC member who dies, is removed or resigns, must come from the same region. That is the position of the PDP Constitution. Ayu is from the North, Damagum too hails from the North.”
The 99th NEC meeting, originally set for August 15, was postponed to October 24 and later rescheduled to November 28, 2024. During the 98th NEC meeting held on April 18, party leaders agreed to decide Damagum’s future at the 99th NEC meeting.
Meanwhile, the Nyesom Wike group backing Damagum has expanded its influence into the North-Central zone, led by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang. As a result, the zone has not yet convened to propose a replacement for Damagum.
