Leadership crisis: Wike’s ally Damagum polarises PDP governors

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are divided over Umar Damagum continuing as acting national chair of the party.

Damagum is an ally of Nyesom Wike, immediate-past governor of Rivers and minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

The PDP has been embroiled in crisis since the 2023 presidential election. In April, the national working committee (NWC) of the party passed a vote of confidence in Damagum.

A faction of the NWC is reportedly loyal to Wike, who has been waging a supremacy battle with Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers.

The FCT minister has reportedly wrested control of the PDP working committee in Rivers from Fubara, while taking some governors with him.

‘NORTH-CENTRAL SHOULD ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY’

Bala Mohammed, chairman of the PDP governors’ forum, who hosted members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) in Bauchi on September 18, had declared that Damagum’s position as acting chair had become untenable.

“My brother from the north-east is currently serving as acting national chairman, which is constitutionally inappropriate,” he said.

“According to our party’s constitution, any leadership vacancy should be filled by someone from the region where it originated.

“North-central has been eager for this opportunity, and we’ve discussed this issue.

“We are committed to working with the NWC and the party to ensure that the north-central is given the chance to assume this responsibility.”

On Thursday, Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, in a statement by Olawale Rasheed, his spokesperson, declared his stance against Damagum.

“I stand by the Constitution of our great party which clearly spelt out the succession procedure in case of the exit of an elected chairman,” the statement reads.

“I also stand by the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum of which I am an integral part.

“Our party must adhere to its Constitution at this critical time and at all times. That is the way to build a responsible political party.”

BACKING DAMAGUM

However, Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, pledged support for Damagum, who was in Ibadan for the flag-off of the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola Airport.

“I am glad also that our acting national chairman and members of the national working committee are here. I was reading yesterday that there was another meeting in Bauchi by some NWC members,” Makinde said.

“Let me say it clearly. I have been discussing with my brother on our way here. We are 100 percent in support of Umar Damagum-led NWC.

“Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition our party.

“Let me also say this — I don’t think this is the right time. Even if we have issues within ourselves. We have an important election on Saturday. So we should all just rally around and deliver our candidate.”

Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, publicly declared support for Damagum on his X page.

“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. Let’s respect the court ruling and uphold our democracy,” he wrote.

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo; Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa; Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers; Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta; Umo Eno, governor of Akwa-Ibom; are reportedly anti-Damagum.

Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau and Agbu Kefas, governor of Taraba, are reportedly pro-Damagum, with Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara and Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu reportedly neutral.