The rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar push back against Ambassador Umar Damagum’s extended role as the acting national chairman.
Atiku’s allies argue that Damagum’s appointment was meant to be temporary, but he has now held the position longer than intended.
Atiku’s camp has reportedly assembled a legal team, guided by prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria, to challenge a court order preventing the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) from removing Damagum.
According to a PDP NEC member, this legal appeal is rooted in a resolution from the party’s 98th NEC meeting held on April 18th, which called for the preparation of a successor for Dr. Iyiorchia Ayu following his resignation as chairman.
“For some reason, Damagum has refused to convene NEC, finding various excuses to remain in his acting role,” the NEC member shared.
“He even prompted his allies in Yobe State to file a court order preventing the Board of Trustees and NEC from removing him.”
They further argued that Damagum still holds his original role as Deputy National Chairman (North), suggesting he has no need to retain both positions.
“We have a message for him—he can’t stay in the acting chairman role indefinitely. We’re moving to have this ruling overturned.”
This conflict has heightened tensions between Atiku’s camp and that of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, within the PDP.
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