Wike’s ally Damagum remains acting chair as PDP asks members to work for party’s success

Umar Damagum has retained his position as the acting charman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

On Thursday, the PDP conducted its 98th national executive council (NEC) meeting at the party’s secretariat in Abuja.

In a communique issued after the meeting, Debo Ologunagba, national publicity secretary of the PDP, said the NEC urged all members to continue to work together for the success of the party for the benefit of Nigerians.

On Wednesday, the national working committee (NWC) of the PDP passed a vote of confidence on Damagum.

“NEC charges all Organs, leaders, critical stakeholders and indeed all members of the PDP to close ranks, put aside every personal or group interests and work together in the overall effort to reposition and return the PDP to power at the center in the interest of the Nigerian people,” Ologunagba said.

“Consequently, NEC received and approved the Timetable for Party Congresses across the country.

“NEC also approved the Reconstitution of the Party Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committees to further ensure the stability of the Party.

“Similarly, NEC approved the extension of the life of the Party Constitution Amendment Committee to allow it to receive new amendment proposals for inclusion in its deliberation and final report for consideration by NEC.

“NEC commended the efforts of the National Working Committee in its effort towards rebranding the Party including the new look PDP Logo which is widely accepted by Party members and Nigerians in general.

“NEC charges all Party members to continue to work together for the success of the PDP for the benefit of Nigerians and sustenance of Democracy in our country.”

The NEC’s decision to extend Damagum’s stay in office further solidifies the control of Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) within the party.

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

Before the NEC meeting, PDP members loyal to Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, had moved against Damagum, over allegations that he was working for Wike.

Also, those demanding Damagum’s resignation argued that there was a need for someone from the north-central to take over and complete Ayu’s tenure.

However, Wike, who holds a significant influence in the party, had been pushing for Damagum to continue in his position.

Wike led a group of five PDP governors that rebelled against Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

Abubakar lost the election to Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).