PDP Crisis: Atiku Backs Anti-Damagum NWC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his support for efforts to unseat Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Atiku has been in contact with members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to advocate Damagum’s removal.

This initiative has created a rift among the 13 state governors elected under the PDP banner. Seven governors, spearheaded by Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State, are in favour of Damagum’s ousting, while four others, led by Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, back his continuation in the role.

The governors supporting Damagum are allies of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who is currently in discord with the PDP Governors’ Forum.

Atiku and Wike severed ties prior to last year’s general elections, with Wike rallying five PDP governors to challenge Atiku’s pursuit of the presidency.

A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public comments, verified that the former Vice President has contacted certain factions opposed to Damagum and other party stakeholders.

According to the source, “We are not isolated; significant figures within the party, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have engaged in conversations with some of us.”

Since stepping into the position of acting National Chairman of the PDP following Iyorchia Ayu’s ousting, stakeholders have expressed their dissatisfaction with Damagum for not executing crucial reforms needed to rejuvenate the party.

Tensions heightened when Damagum’s NWC handed over the leadership of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike, bypassing Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

This move upset the PDP Governors’ Forum, which maintained that a state governor is entitled to lead the party within their state.

When inquired about Atiku’s message to the anti-Damagum NWC members, the source revealed, “I can confirm that Atiku has reached out to several of us.

”He assured us that we are not isolated and that he backs our quest for justice, fairness, and equity.

”He urged us to remain determined and to persist in advocating for adherence to the PDP Constitution in the NWC’s daily actions.

”He recognizes our reasons for wanting Damagum to be removed and did not express any disagreement.”

“We hold no personal grievances against Damagum; our aim is to safeguard the party in order to provide Nigerians with an alternative in upcoming elections.

“Damagum should respect the party’s constitution and traditions by returning to his original position as Deputy National Chairman (North) and permit the North Central to swiftly nominate a replacement.”

A trustworthy source close to Atiku has revealed that the former Vice President is seeking the replacement of Damagum in line with the PDP’s Constitution.

According to this source, “Atiku is working alongside NWC members and other committed party leaders to take appropriate measures to uphold the party’s constitution.”

When asked if Atiku intends to have Damagum removed, the source clarified, “This isn’t solely about Damagum; the former Vice President is primarily focused on democracy and the PDP. Atiku chooses to operate quietly to mend what has been affected.”

Efforts to contact Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media adviser, for a comment were unsuccessful, as he neither answered calls nor responded to messages.

Meanwhile, Timothy Osadolor, a member of the PDP NEC and Deputy National Youth Leader, has urged party leaders to put aside their differences, avoid verbal disputes, and channel all issues to the relevant committees. In a recent exclusive interview, Osadolor voiced his confidence in the reconciliation and disciplinary committees, encouraging all stakeholders to allow them to function effectively without interference.

On August 21, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP formed two committees. One, chaired by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi, will focus on disciplinary issues, while the other, led by former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, is responsible for reconciliation efforts. The Oyinlola committee aims to bring party members together and tackle various concerns, whereas the Ikimi committee will examine petitions and suggest penalties for those who breach party regulations.