The internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party has escalated as the 98th National Executive Committee meeting approaches, with the spotlight on the discord between the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Central to the upcoming NEC meeting on April 18 is the debate over whether Umar Damagum should continue as the interim National Chairman or be replaced. Damagum assumed the role after the court-ordered suspension of Iyorchia Ayu, the former National Chairman, in March of the previous year. This suspension was a result of a legal challenge initiated by PDP member Terhide Utaan, citing a no-confidence vote against Ayu by his local ward executives.
Recently, a group of 60 House Representatives members called for Damagum’s resignation, advocating for a permanent chairman from the North Central region. Both Gabriel Suswam, ex-governor of Benue State, and Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, former Deputy National Secretary of the PDP, are vying for the chairmanship.
Reports indicate a division within the party, with Atiku’s faction supporting Suswam, while Wike’s faction, along with certain PDP governors, is campaigning for Damagum to fulfill Ayu’s term. A member of the PDP North Central Caucus, preferring to remain anonymous, revealed that Wike’s faction is pushing for Damagum’s continuation and for the North Central to appoint the National Deputy Chairman.
The rift between Atiku and Wike deepened during the 2023 general elections when Atiku secured the PDP presidential nomination over Wike and chose Ifeanyi Okowa, the former governor of Delta State, as his running mate instead of Wike. This led Wike to endorse Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress candidate who won the presidency.
A party official from the North Central region stated, “We are aware that our zone is receiving the necessary support from Atiku. Many stakeholders from within and outside the zone, including Atiku, are backing Suswam. Consultations are ongoing, and the North Central will ensure that it nominates Ayu’s replacement.”
“Wike and some PDP governors want Damagum to be confirmed as the PDP substantive chairman. They are supporting someone from the North-East to complete the tenure of a position zoned to the North Central for their selfish reasons. They want the North Central to nominate a name for National Deputy Chairman (North) to replace Damagum once he is confirmed. They simply want to undermine this party.”
An anonymous senior member of the PDP National Working Committee emphasized that the chairmanship is not vacant as Ayu’s legal proceedings are ongoing. “Since Ayu is in court, the position is not vacant. The PDP Constitution does not specify the duration or tenure for someone to assume the role of acting party leader. Therefore, Damagum will continue to serve in that capacity,” he explained.
Atiku’s Media Aide, Paul Ibe, when reached for comment, denied knowledge of Atiku’s support for Suswam.
