Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is rallying support to unseat the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum. Sources reveal that Atiku has engaged with members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to advocate for Damagum’s removal.
The push to oust Damagum has led to a split among the 13 state governors elected on the PDP platform. Seven governors, spearheaded by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, are advocating for Damagum’s departure, while four others, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, are in favor of retaining him. The supportive governors for Damagum are allies of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is at odds with the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Atiku’s relationship with Wike deteriorated prior to last year’s elections when Wike, along with four other PDP governors, opposed Atiku’s presidential campaign.
A senior member of the PDP NWC, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Atiku has been in contact with some anti-Damagum factions and other party stakeholders. The source indicated, “We are not alone; key leaders in the party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have engaged with some of us.”
Since taking office as acting National Chairman following the removal of Iyorchia Ayu, Damagum has faced criticism for not implementing vital reforms necessary to rejuvenate the party. Tensions escalated when the NWC shifted control of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike, bypassing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, which incited backlash from the PDP Governors’ Forum, emphasizing that a state governor should lead the party within their state.
When queried about Atiku’s discussions with anti-Damagum NWC members, the source stated, “Atiku has reassured us of his support for our pursuit of justice, fairness, and equity. He encourages us to stay committed to advocating for adherence to the PDP Constitution.”
The source reiterated, “There are no personal grievances against Damagum; our priority is the party’s integrity, ensuring Nigerians have alternatives in future elections. Damagum ought to respect the party’s constitution and transition back to his role as Deputy National Chairman (North), permitting North Central to appoint a replacement swiftly.”
A trusted source close to Atiku confirmed that he seeks Damagum’s removal in accordance with the PDP Constitution, emphasizing, “Atiku is collaborating with NWC members and devoted party leaders to uphold the party’s constitution.”
On whether Atiku desires Damagum’s ouster, the source remarked, “This isn’t solely about Damagum; Atiku is committed to fostering democracy within the PDP and prefers a discreet approach to rectifying the current issues.”
Efforts to contact a representative for Atiku were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor has urged party leaders to resolve their differences, advising against public disputes and encouraging directed actions through appropriate committees. In an interview, Osadolor expressed confidence in the PDP’s reconciliation and disciplinary committees, which were established to address prevailing issues and ensure the party’s unity.
On August 21, the PDP NWC formed two committees: one led by former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi for disciplinary reviews and another by former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola focusing on reconciliation. Osadolor emphasized the importance of allowing these committees to operate without distractions and urged members with legitimate concerns to engage accordingly, refraining from public attacks.
