Amid ongoing internal tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it was revealed that Ambassador Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the party, is likely to step down next week. This follows a series of discussions held by the party’s governors, aimed at resolving leadership disputes that have threatened party unity. The decision reportedly emerged during a meeting held in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday.
Sources indicate that the PDP governors convened in Akure with the goal of addressing the growing internal divisions. The governors expressed concern over the party’s internal split and agreed that unity was essential, particularly ahead of key political events. As part of their efforts to stabilize the party, the governors decided to allow Damagum to continue in his role until the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24.
According to reports from Daily Trust, the meeting in Akure, which occurred before the official launch of the PDP’s governorship campaign in Ondo, included several high-ranking officials, such as Damagum himself, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, and the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed. Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Ademola Adeleke of Osun also participated, alongside other prominent party figures.
Prior to the Akure gathering, the PDP Governors’ Forum had convened virtually on Monday to discuss the party’s internal crisis. During this virtual session, Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed his frustration over how the ongoing leadership issues, including Damagum’s continued stay in office, could affect the party’s prospects. Adeleke was particularly concerned about how the situation might impact his re-election chances in 2026, as he is one of the party’s first-term governors seeking a second term.
Notably, a faction of governors, including Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), were initially against removing Damagum. This group is believed to have ties to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a key ally of Damagum. This alliance added further complexity to the internal deliberations over the party’s leadership.
Tensions surfaced when Governor Adeleke confronted Governor Mutfwang during discussions, criticizing him for not supporting the North-Central region’s efforts to retain the party’s national chairmanship. Despite Mutfwang being from the North-Central zone, Adeleke argued that his support for Damagum, who is from a different region, went against their interests. In response, Mutfwang indicated a shift in his stance, stating that recent developments now made him more inclined to back his region in the leadership dispute, in line with the party’s constitution.