Despite ongoing efforts by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prevent internal conflicts stemming from suspensions among the party’s National Working Committee members, the party continues to face challenges.
Reports from various states suggest that some key figures within the party remain determined to oust Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagum from his role as acting National Chairman.
A founding member of the PDP, speaking anonymously to Sunday Tribune, revealed that stakeholders from the North-Central zone are increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as an attempt by a faction within the party to marginalize the region for personal gains, ignoring the party’s constitution on zoning.
According to the source, a growing consensus is emerging among PDP members in the Senate and House of Representatives that the national chairmanship should be removed from Damagum and restored to the North-Central.
“At present, only Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State represents the North-Central region within the party’s leadership. Other key figures are being briefed on the importance of returning the national chairman position to our region. There is strong unity on this issue among political leaders from the zone,” the source stated.
Earlier, Istifanus Mwansat, a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and a founding member of the party in the zone, urged the region’s leaders to take action. He expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved at the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, emphasizing that Damagum’s exit is necessary for a North-Central leader to assume the position.
“We are close to a solution. We’ve faced similar challenges before, and I am confident we will emerge stronger. Damagum’s continued hold on the national chairmanship is inappropriate, especially given that the position was originally zoned to the North-Central. If Damagum truly had the party’s best interests in mind, he would have stepped down long ago,” Mwansat remarked.
He further stressed that the party’s zoning arrangement is clear, and it is unfair for Damagum’s region to control both the chairmanship and deputy positions. He called for leaders from the North-Central to assert their claim and reclaim what is rightfully theirs.
“Damagum’s suspension means he cannot oversee the next NEC meeting. His recent visit to Governor Bala Mohammed does not signal any significant support from the governors,” Mwansat added.
Amplifying these perception, various PDP members praised the NWC’s decision to suspend Damagum and his associates, backing the move to seek new leadership.