The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has survived attempts to oust him from his position.
As the party’s National Executive Committee meeting approached, discussions centered around whether Damagum should remain in his role or be replaced.
Damagum, who was previously the PDP National Deputy Chairman (North), stepped in as acting National Chairman following the court-ordered suspension of the party’s former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
The court’s decision was based on a request from a PDP member, Terhide Utaan, prompted by a prior vote of no confidence from Ayu’s ward executives in Igyorov ward, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
Recently, 60 members of the House of Representatives called for Damagum’s removal and pushed for a substantive chairman from the North Central region.
However, shortly after this announcement, members of the House minority caucus, led by Kingsley Chinda, distanced themselves from the group, dismissing it as an unrecognized entity within the parliament.
The PDP caucus meeting in the House of Representatives on Tuesday ended in discord, with lawmakers divided on whether to keep Damagum in office.
The pre-NEC meeting aimed to endorse Damagum with a vote of confidence by lawmakers aligned with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, but this plan faced obstacles and did not proceed as intended.
The PDP National Working Committee had previously expressed full support for Damagum.
After its caucus meeting on Wednesday, the North Central Zone of the party unanimously decided that the zone should nominate the next national chairman of the party following Ayu’s removal.
Speaking to reporters after the National Caucus meeting in the early hours of Thursday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that Damagum would continue serving as acting national chairman until the next NEC meeting after today’s session.
The PDP National Caucus, which convenes before the NEC meeting and sets the tone for major decisions, endorsed Damagum’s continued role to allow for broader consultations.
Ologunagba noted that the caucus discussed the forthcoming local government, ward, and state congresses, as well as the reconstitution of the party’s disciplinary and reconciliation committees.
Additionally, the caucus extended the tenure of the party’s Constitution Review Committee and discussed various methods of fundraising for the party.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary emphasized the party’s dedication to creating a cohesive organization embraced by all Nigerians.
Regarding Damagum, Ologunagba said, “The caucus did not deliberate on this matter because of the complexities regarding leadership at this time. Therefore, this matter was deferred to the upcoming NEC meeting. Umar Damagum will remain acting national chairman until the subsequent NEC meeting after today’s session.”
He stated that the party prioritizes unity and aims to navigate these issues without causing division.
Ologunagba added that the National Caucus instructed the NWC to review the list of the Rivers State Caretaker Committee and to find a political solution to resolve all related issues.
