The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shows no signs of resolution, with increasing calls for the replacement of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum deepening rifts among the party’s governors.
A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed to The PUNCH that Damagum has garnered support from at least four governors, in addition to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. The governors backing Damagum include Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.
While Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal remain neutral, the remaining seven PDP governors are advocating for Damagum’s ousting. Leading the opposition against Damagum is Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, alongside Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
According to the source, “Oyo State Governor Makinde leads three other governors who are friends of Wike and are backing Damagum to continue in his acting role.”
Since assuming the position of acting National Chairman following the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, Damagum has faced mounting criticism from party leaders regarding the ongoing turmoil within the PDP, with increasing demands for his resignation. Tensions escalated when Damagum and other NWC members aligned with Wike to approve controversial Rivers State PDP Congresses and postponed a National Executive Committee meeting from September 26 to October 24.
The conflict intensified on August 24 when Wike publicly supported Fubara, prompting PDP governors to call for a review of the Rivers State Congresses and reaffirm Fubara’s leadership. Wike retaliated on August 31, threatening to disrupt activities in the states of governors who interfered in Rivers State matters. In response, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, condemned Wike’s threat as irresponsible on September 3.
Despite the turmoil, Makinde, a close ally of Wike, expressed unwavering support for Damagum, stating, “We are 100 percent in support of the Damagum-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition the party.”
The source confirmed that the governors of Enugu and Zamfara states remain neutral in the ongoing leadership crisis, while the support for Damagum continues to grow among his allies.
Governor Fintiri of Adamawa State publicly declared his backing for Damagum on social media, stating, “Solidly in support of Amb. Umar Damagum as National Chairman of @OfficialPDPNig! His leadership has restored public confidence, and we are confident he will steer the party to greater heights.”
Fintiri emphasized the North-East caucus’s full support for Damagum, citing a Federal High Court restraining order that allows him to complete the tenure of former Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu unless otherwise decided by the court.
Conversely, Osun State Governor Adeleke articulated his opposition to Damagum, urging party members to adhere to the PDP Constitution regarding succession procedures. He stated, “I stand by the Constitution of our great party, which clearly spells out the succession procedure in case of the exit of an elected chairman.”
Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Chairman Adolphus Wabara, met with the PDP caucus in the National Assembly to discuss the party’s challenges and seek solutions. Wabara described the meeting as peaceful, indicating ongoing efforts to stabilize the party amid the internal strife.
As the situation unfolds, the divisions among PDP governors highlight the complexities facing the party as it navigates its leadership crisis.