PDP crisis deepens as Govs, bigwigs clash over sack of Damagum as Acting National Chairman
…North-East caucus backs embattled Acting National Chairman
…Damagum’s leadership has restored public confidence – Gov Fintiri
The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to escalate as a growing divide emerges among governors regarding the fate of acting national chairman, Umar Damagum.
This is as the North-East Caucus has officially endorsed Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum.
In a statement on Thursday, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri expressed the region’s support, highlighting the positive impact of Damagum’s leadership since he took office.
This endorsement includes PDP chapters from Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states.
Fintiri also pointed to a Federal High Court ruling that has effectively prevented Damagum’s removal, allowing him to complete the tenure of former chairman Iyorchia Ayu.
He noted that this legal decision serves the interests of the party, its members, and the broader democratic process.
Recent comments by the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP governors’ forum, Bala Mohammed, have sparked public dissent, with some party leaders openly opposing his call for Damagum’s removal.
Governor Mohammed suggested that the current leadership structure, which includes Damagum from the North East, is a “constitutional aberration,” advocating instead for a return of the chairmanship to the North Central region, which he argues has long been deserving of the position.
“I am committed to working with the chairman and party members to ensure that it is achieved,” he stated, signalling a desire for a shift in leadership.
However, this perspective is not universally accepted within the party. Governors Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Seyi Makinde of Oyo have publicly voiced their support for Damagum, emphasising the importance of stability in the party during a critical election period.
Makinde argued, “This isn’t the right time for leadership changes within the opposition party, especially with the Edo State governorship election just around the corner.”
Echoing these sentiments, Fintiri took to social media to assert, “Damagum’s leadership has restored public confidence, and we are confident he will steer the party to greater heights.”
In contrast, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has distanced himself from supporting Damagum, reiterating his commitment to the party’s constitution.
A statement from his spokesperson emphasised the necessity for the party to adhere to its constitutional mandates at this pivotal time, supporting the idea of giving the chairmanship to the North Central region.
