Damagum to step down as PDP Gov’s offer acting national chair soft landing

There are indications that Ambassador Umar Damagum, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) interim National Chairman, may step down next week.

This comes after a meeting of PDP governors held in Akure, Ondo State, on Monday and Tuesday.

The governors, concerned about rising factionalism inside the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), are allegedly seeking unity to save the party before the 2024 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

Top party leaders attended the meeting, including Damagum, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, and numerous governors, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The committee examined a plan that would allow Damagum to continue in his post until the NEC meeting, which is anticipated to select a North-Central contender for the party’s presidency.

According to the Daily Trust, certain governors, including Ademola Adeleke, were concerned that the divide might harm their political ambitions.

Adeleke, in particular, expressed fears that the issue might jeopardise his prospects of reelection in 2026.

The NEC meeting, slated for October 24, will most certainly endorse the chairmanship choice and may also set dates for a national convention to address outstanding concerns.