Key officials from the North-Central region of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have announced their determination to secure a replacement for the party’s acting national chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagun, in early 2025.
The communiqué, released after a high-level meeting in Abuja, included two former Senate presidents, two former presidential candidates, a former senator, a current member of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), a former minister, four former governors, The region’s only governor outlined his position.
The meeting revealed that strategic efforts are already underway to garner support from party leaders across the northern region to replace Damagun with a candidate from the North Central region.
Among those in attendance was David Ombugadu, a former member of the House of Representatives from Nasarawa State who had previously been proposed as the unanimous candidate for the national chairmanship.
Also present was Senator Gabriel Suswam, a strong supporter of Atiku Abubakar who had previously expressed interest in the role of PDP National Chairman.
The communiqué released after the meeting in Abuja highlighted three main resolutions: A post-retirement party for Senator Iyorkia Ayu.
“The PDP Constitution clearly states that regarding succession of offices at all levels within the party, vacant posts may be replaced by appointments from the zone primarily in accordance with Article 47(6) of the party.
“As the party is always guided by its own constitution, the party leadership will take the opportunity to make the necessary sacrifices and compromises to restore trust and unity within the party. I need to stand up.”
“In light of this, the stakeholders in the North Central Zone appeal to the conscience and goodwill of their compatriots in other zones in the Northern Region to return the party chairmanship to the North Central Zone and take up his duties.” End of term.
“Stakeholders must work to build a consensus to support the North Central Zone's position.
“North Central is united in striving to maintain the PDP as the true platform for good governance in Nigeria.”
Key participants at the meeting included Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwangu, former Senate President David Mark and Bukola Saraki, PDP National Counsel Alhaji Kamaludeen Ajibade (SAN), Abba Moro They included former interior minister, former governor Jonah Jan, Babangida Aliyu and Abdulfatai. Ahmed and Idris Wada.
Other notable persons in attendance included Tunde Ogbeha, Simon Mwadokwon, Margaret Ichen, Raymond Dabo, Sarah Ochekpe, Suleiman Adokwe, Labalan Maku, Zainab Kule, Jerry Gana, Dino Merayi, Philip Aduda, Maika Jiba, Isa Dobi, Mohamed Onao, and Peter Ziya.
