PDP Governors, NWC Move to Remove Wike's Loyalists, Replace Damagum as Acting National Chairman
By Wisdom Tide
18/09/2024
The Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Working Committee (NWC) have reached a consensus to remove Iliya Umar Damagum from his position as the acting National Chairman of the party. This decision was revealed by the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, following a meeting with the party’s NWC.
Damagum, who is a known loyalist of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been serving as the acting National Chairman since the removal of Iyorchia Ayu in June 2023. However, his continued stay in office has sparked internal controversy within the party.
Constitutional Concerns Over Damagum's Role
Addressing the media after the meeting, Governor Bala Mohammed highlighted that the party had determined it was a "constitutional aberration" for Damagum to remain in office. According to him, the PDP's constitution mandates that any vacancy in a leadership position should be filled by someone from the same geographical region as the outgoing officeholder.
Damagum hails from the North East, while Ayu, the former National Chairman, is from the North Central region, specifically Benue State. The PDP Governors and the NWC have now resolved to honor the party’s constitution by returning the chairmanship to the North Central, in line with the party's internal zoning arrangements.
North Central to Complete Ayu's Tenure
Governor Mohammed elaborated that the North Central region, which has been seeking its rightful opportunity to lead the party, would be allowed to complete the tenure of the ousted National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu. He stated, "It is a constitutional arrangement that the vacancy left by Ayu should be filled by someone from the same region, which is the North Central."
He further explained that the North East had already benefitted from a similar arrangement in the past. Following the resignation of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the former Governor of Bauchi State, Ahmadu Muazu, from the North East, was appointed as the PDP National Chairman. In light of these precedents, the PDP leadership sees the removal of Damagum and the appointment of a representative from the North Central as a necessary step to restore constitutional order within the party.
Moving Forward
The meeting, which was attended by key stakeholders in the PDP, underscored the party’s commitment to resolving the internal leadership issues. Governor Mohammed emphasized that the PDP Governors’ Forum, alongside the NWC, is united in ensuring that the party adheres to its constitutional guidelines and continues to build strong leadership.
With this decision, the PDP aims to restore internal balance and unity, especially in light of the upcoming electoral challenges. The party remains focused on maintaining its position as the leading opposition party and addressing the concerns of its members and supporters across the country
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