The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new twist as loyalists of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar initiate fresh efforts to remove the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
Reports indicate that the group is strategizing to regain control amid a series of legal maneuvers that have left the party in turmoil.
According to insiders, the camp led by Nyesom Wike has been holding strategic meetings in Abuja and Port Harcourt, aiming to consolidate their recent court victories in the ongoing power struggle. The upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for November 28, is viewed by Wike’s camp as an opportunity to keep Damagum in power for a longer period.
Meanwhile, Atiku’s faction, which has been weakened since the resignation of former National Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, continues to grapple with challenges in appointing a permanent replacement from the North Central region.
The recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which restrained the NEC and the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Damagum from office, has added further complexity to the situation. A PDP NEC member, speaking anonymously to Vanguard, revealed that the party is assembling a legal team, led by two prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), to challenge the court order.
The party insider criticized Damagum for delaying the convening of the NEC meeting, alleging that he is clinging to power for self-interest. The source stated, “Damagum has found one excuse or another to remain in office as acting chairman by refusing to convene NEC. His allies in Yobe State have now gone to court to stop the BoT and NEC from removing him.”
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the insider referenced the resolution passed during the party’s 98th NEC meeting on April 18, 2024. The resolution directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to conduct congresses in states with expired executives and prepare for a replacement for Ayu. However, the source expressed frustration over Damagum’s alleged attempts to stall the process.
“This man still holds the position of Deputy National Chairman (North), yet he is obstructing efforts to appoint a new chairman,” the source continued. “He cannot be acting chairman indefinitely. We are appealing the court’s decision, and we will ensure that judgment is vacated.”
As the PDP’s internal wrangling intensifies, the outcome of these legal battles and the November 28 NEC meeting will likely play a crucial role in determining the party’s future leadership and unity.
