In an unfolding political drama that threatens to destabilize the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), internal factions are intensifying their efforts to oust acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. Sources within the party have disclosed that a coalition of National Working Committee (NWC) members, aligned with a so-called integrity group, is actively strategizing to realign the party’s leadership, particularly following a controversial land gift allegedly linked to Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
An anonymous high-ranking member of the NWC revealed to The PUNCH that the integrity group, spearheaded by National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyegikuro, recently convened in Bauchi State to further their agenda against Damagum. “This is not about personal vendettas; it’s about the integrity of the PDP,” the source asserted. “We are committed to the party’s principles, not to any individual.”
Since assuming the role of acting National Chairman, Damagum has faced mounting criticism from party leaders who accuse him of exacerbating the ongoing crisis within the PDP. This tension escalated when Damagum and his allies, reportedly loyal to Wike, secured approval for contentious Rivers State congresses, further aggravating divisions within the party.
The conflict reached a boiling point on August 24, when Wike openly clashed with current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, after the latter received public backing from other PDP governors. Wike’s subsequent threats to disrupt activities in other governors’ states if they continued to interfere in Rivers affairs were met with condemnation from the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
During a recent meeting in Bauchi, the NWC members presented their concerns to Governor Mohammed, who expressed regret over his initial support for Damagum. “We need to restore the party’s integrity,” he reportedly stated, indicating a willingness to rally other governors to facilitate Damagum’s replacement. The source present at the meeting emphasized that there was a growing consensus among party leaders about the need for a change in leadership to ensure adherence to the PDP’s constitution.
“We are prepared to take a stand publicly if necessary,” the source warned. “Damagum must address these issues; otherwise, we will be forced to act.”
In a parallel development, deputies to NWC members convened in Abuja to discuss the restructuring of the PDP, including efforts to replace Damagum. A source who attended the meeting confirmed that there was a collective agreement to support any initiative aimed at repositioning the party.
“Our focus is on the stability and growth of the PDP,” stated Okechukwu Osuoha, the PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser, in an exclusive interview. When pressed about the potential ousting of Damagum, he emphasized the importance of following proper party processes and respecting the authority of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), led by former Senate President Adolphus Nwabara, has engaged Wike in a closed-door meeting in a bid to quell the rising tensions. Sources indicate that the BoT has urged Wike to cease his public confrontations and allow for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis.
“Many of us within the BoT are concerned about Damagum’s leadership,” another anonymous member revealed. “We believe that returning him to his original position while appointing a substantive National Chairman is crucial for the party’s revival.”
As the PDP grapples with these internal divisions, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, a known Wike ally, publicly expressed his support for Damagum during a recent event. “We are 100 percent in support of the Damagum-led NWC,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of unity as the party approaches critical elections.
With the PDP at a crossroads, the coming days will be pivotal in determining whether the party can navigate this leadership crisis or if it will succumb to internal strife. As factions vie for control, the integrity of the PDP hangs in the balance, leaving its future uncertain.
