The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently in a leadership crisis as pressure mounts on acting national chairman Umar Damagum to resign.
Amid the turmoil, some chiefs led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde are reportedly insisting that Mr Damagumu retain his position.
On the contrary, other party leaders are calling for a return to power in the north-central zone, especially in the home region of suspended former president Hiorcia Ayu.
This intensified the political dynamics within the party, with several influential figures in the North-Central region, particularly Benue State, positioning themselves as potential successors.
Among the top candidates is former Senate President David Mark, whose candidacy is being seriously considered.
As the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting approaches, the party is at a critical juncture to resolve these leadership disputes and chart a path forward.
Mark has not yet formally announced his candidacy, but some party insiders have called for his intervention, seeing him as a stabilizing force who could rebuild the party after months of infighting.
Mark’s long involvement with the PDP since its inception in 1998 and his experience as Senate President make him a well-respected figure within the party.
The other major candidate is former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, who represented Benue North East in the 9th Senate.
Since expressing interest in Damagum’s successor, Sasuwan has faced resistance from his political rival, former governor Samuel Ortom. Despite this opposition, Suswam remains a strong candidate and has promised to reposition the PDP if given the chance to lead the party.
PDP Governors Forum Secretary-General Emmanuel Agbo is also a candidate. Agbo, who previously served as the party’s deputy national secretary, is reportedly backed by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
His appointment as DG was seen as a way to placate North Central Zone members following Ayu’s suspension and is now considered a strong candidate for the chairmanship position.
Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Philip Salau, also threw his hat into the ring. He insists that other states in the North-Central zone should be given the opportunity to complete Ayu’s term, rather than leaving the chairmanship to Benue State.
Engineer Conrad Utahan, who ruled in favor of Ayu’s suspension, may also be a candidate. Utahan, who hails from the same senatorial district as Ayu, insists he is the best person to serve Ayu’s term.