PDP national caucus extends Damagum’s stay as acting chair

Umar Damagum, acting national chair of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has survived attempts to remove him from office — at least for now.

Briefing journalists after the PDP national caucus meeting early Thursday morning, Debo Ologunagba, the party’s spokesperson, said the issue of whether Damagum should remain or be removed from office has been deferred.

He said Damagum will continue as acting national chair of the party till the next national executive committee (NEC) meeting. 

The party’s constitution mandates that NEC meeting be convened once in three months.

“The caucus did not deliberate on this matter because there are numerous complexities regarding leadership at this time,” he said when asked about the caucus decision on Damagum.

“Therefore, this matter was deferred to the upcoming NEC meeting. The issues presented by the NWC were discussed by the caucus. Umar Damagum will remain the acting national chairman of the party until the subsequent NEC meeting following tomorrow’s (today’s) session.

“The party has recognised the importance of conducting further consultations on that matter. Our priority is maintaining party unity, as we navigate through these issues without causing division.

“We are committed to following our constitution and any succession plan that aligns with our current circumstances, including ongoing court processes. Our aim is to take actions that promote unity and are by our constitution.”

The resolution of the national caucus is subject to the ratification of NEC.

The NEC meeting is scheduled to hold today.

The PDP national caucus is a vital organ of the party. Members usually meet a day before the NEC meeting.

Majority of decisions made at the NEC meeting are typically deliberated upon during the national caucus gathering.

There have been calls from different quarters for Damagum to step down as the PDP acting chairman.

Damagum became acting chairman following the suspension of Iyorchia Ayu in March 2023.

Those demanding Damagum’s resignation based their argument on the need for someone from the north-central to take over and complete Ayu’s tenure.

Ayu hails from Benue state.

On Tuesday, the national working committee (NWC) of the PDP passed a vote of confidence in Damagum, amid calls for him to step aside.

WHAT NATIONAL CAUCUS DISCUSSED

The PDP spokesperson said the caucus discussed several issues, including the unity of the party.

“At the meeting, the national caucus deliberated on the forthcoming local government, ward, and state congresses, scheduled for between June and August 2024,” he said.

“The caucus endorsed the NWC’s reconstitution of the party’s disciplinary and reconciliation committees. These are standing committees tasked with addressing internal party matters.

“Fourthly, the caucus extended the tenure of the party’s Constitution Review Committee to incorporate new suggestions for amending the party’s constitution.

“Additionally, the caucus also discussed various methods of fundraising for the party, including membership drives, investment initiatives, and other matters that the NWC will address and subsequently present to the NEC for approval.”