As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on November 28, Umar Damagum has finalized plans to remain as the party’s acting national chairman until next year. There are signs suggesting that.
Sources within the party who spoke to Punch revealed that the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) is scheduled to meet with PDP chairmen and FCT chairmen from 36 states on Wednesday at the Wadata Plaza party headquarters in Abuja. I made it.
A senior PDP official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to discuss the matter, said most of the state chairmen arrived in Abuja on Tuesday, adding that the meeting could be linked to preparations for the NEC rally. suggested that.
Damagum, who took over the role of acting chairman after Senator Iyorukia Ayu was removed by the court, has come under increasing criticism from the party leadership over his handling of internal disputes.
His leadership is particularly blamed for the escalation of the crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminalai Hubala and his predecessor, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
At the 98th NEC meeting of the PDP on April 18, party leaders resolved to deliberate on the future of Damagum at the 99th NEC meeting.
However, the meeting has been postponed multiple times, from its original date of August 15th to October 24th, and now to November 28th.
Critics within the party have accused Damagum of lacking decisiveness at a time of significant internal turmoil, leading to calls for his resignation.
The official said recent developments within the party and actions of key stakeholders indicate that Damagum will continue in his role until further notice.
He said, “The NEC meeting will proceed as scheduled, but Damagum will continue as acting national chairman of the party until further notice.” This is because many members and key stakeholders currently pay less attention to replacing him with a term of less than 10 months, even though we can have a permanent president serving a full four-year term. This is because there is no
“Due to the delay in finding a replacement, many have lost interest in the issue. With the PDP convention scheduled for elections in October-November 2025, party leaders say Damagum is Despite the shortcomings, the focus has shifted to managing Damagum until the next party convention, which will elect a new NWC for a four-year term and select party candidates for the 2027 elections. Masu.
“In addition to these reasons, there are ongoing legal disputes surrounding this issue. While these could be avoided, party leaders wish to avoid actions that could lead to further litigation. There are some too.
“Moreover, the Wike Group supporting Damagumu has extended its influence to the North Central region. As a result, the zone, led by Plateau State Governor Caleb Muthofang, has yet to convene to propose Mr. Damagumu’s replacement. Therefore, Damagum will continue to serve as an actor for the time being.
The reliable source also revealed that the Acting National Chairman is actively engaging with stakeholders.
He added: “As part of these efforts, a meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday (today) where Mr. Damagum and NWC members will meet with the 36 state chairmen and the FCT.
“According to the meeting agenda, it is primarily a familiarization session between the NWC and the newly elected state chairperson.
“However, additional discussions are likely to take place and Damagum supporters will seek to secure the support and commitment of a majority, if not all, of the state chairs ahead of the NEC meeting.
“They will rally support and prepare for unforeseen developments. As not all NEC members have the right to vote, a vote of confidence in Mr. Damagum was passed on November 28th, ensuring that he remains in office. I wouldn’t be surprised if we were able to accomplish this.”
Another senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media on the matter, also confirmed that the notification of the 99th NEC meeting could be sent out this week.
The source also reiterated that Damagum may continue his role as an actor since he is from the same northern region as Ayu.
“The NEC intends to proceed as planned and, in fact, the notification is expected to be published this week.
“Some party members are only causing unnecessary worries regarding Damagum. He did not force himself into that role. The constitution gave him that position.
“The successor of a deceased, dismissed or resigned NWC member must be from the same region. That is the position of the PDP constitution. Ayu is from the north and Damagum is also from the north,” the party leader said. pointed out.
Some NEC members, including former National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadore, have accused Damagum and his alleged involvement in the party’s defeat in the Edo Ondo governorship election. express different opinions about.
Mr. Ologbondiyan believes that as long as Mr. Damagum continues to serve as acting national chairman, the PDP will continue to lose.
Osador stated that the losses in Ed and Ondo were beyond Damagum’s control, claiming that only a miracle could remove him.
A former national publicity secretary of the PDP said Mr Damagam was unable to manage party affairs effectively.
Mr. Ologbondiyan pointed out that “Mr. Damagum’s inability to effectively manage the internal politics of the PDP is the reason for the series of losses the party has suffered.” If he remains in office, there will be even more losses. I’m not going to apologize (for saying this).
“In the recent Edo and Ondo elections, what was the level of preparation of the party under the Damagum administration? How well prepared was the party for those elections?”
Osador clarified that the issue of Damagum’s replacement will not be taken up at the NEC meeting due to the ongoing litigation.
He further explained that the results of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections were beyond Damagum’s control.
A deputy national youth leader said, “All party members who are blaming Damagum for everything that is happening within the party are just trying to strangle the dog by giving him a bad name.
“Whatever is happening in the PDP is not Damagum’s fault. Some of these leaders are behind it.
“With regard to his retention or removal, we all know that there is a court injunction preventing NEC from replacing Mr. Damagumu, but it has not been annulled yet. Only a miracle can do it. I believe the time has come for party leaders to get used to Damagum.”
Explaining the party’s defeat in recent polls, he said: “When it comes to Edo and Ondo, what happened in those states during the governorship elections was beyond what anyone denouncing Damagum could handle. was greatly expanded.
“I know they have other issues with Damagumu, but on the issue of holding him responsible for the party’s losses in Edo and Ondo, at least until they become chairman. , none of them could have prevented it.”
