Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has aligned himself with efforts to unseat Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Sources reveal that Atiku has contacted key members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) supporting Damagum’s ouster.
The push for Damagum’s removal has created divisions among the 13 PDP governors. Seven governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, seek his removal, while four others, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, support his retention. The pro-Damagum governors are aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who has been at odds with the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Damagum has faced criticism for his leadership, particularly after transferring control of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike instead of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This decision angered some party stakeholders, including several PDP governors, who argue that state governors should lead the party in their respective states.
Atiku’s backing of the anti-Damagum faction further escalates internal party conflicts, as key members push for Damagum to return to his original role as Deputy National Chairman (North) and allow the North Central zone to appoint a new chairman.
Meanwhile, the PDP’s reconciliation and disciplinary committees, formed to address the party’s internal issues, are actively working to mediate the situation. Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor has urged party members to refrain from public disputes and allow these committees to resolve the ongoing crisis.
News Editor