Damagum to retain chairmanship as PDP NWC, State Chairmen convene

Umar Damagum is set to continue as the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until next year.

This decision emerges ahead of a meeting between the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the chairmen of the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.

Insiders revealed that the meeting, primarily intended as a familiarization session with the newly elected state chairmen, will also serve as a platform for Damagum’s allies to consolidate support before the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

A party source stated: “The NEC meeting will hold as planned, but Damagum will remain the acting national chairman. Many stakeholders believe there’s little sense in appointing a new chairman for a term shorter than 10 months.

They prefer focusing on electing a permanent chairman during the 2025 elective convention, who will serve a full four-year term.”

The source added that delays in selecting a replacement, coupled with ongoing legal disputes, have caused waning interest in the matter.

“Leaders are now focused on managing Damagum until the next convention rather than risking further litigation. Moreover, the group supporting him, led by Nyesom Wike, has expanded its influence into the North-Central zone, which has yet to propose a successor.”

As part of ongoing engagements, the NWC and state chairmen are scheduled to meet today (Wednesday). While the agenda emphasizes familiarization, additional discussions are expected to rally state chairmen’s support for Damagum ahead of the NEC meeting.

According to another insider: “There’s a possibility of a vote of confidence being passed on Damagum during the November 28 NEC meeting, allowing him to retain his acting capacity. The state chairmen’s backing is crucial to prepare for any unforeseen developments.”

Some party members argue that Damagum’s position aligns with the PDP constitution, which stipulates that any replacement for an NWC member must come from the same region as the predecessor.

“Damagum didn’t force himself into this role; the constitution positioned him here. Both he and former chairman Iyorchia Ayu hail from the North,” a source noted.

The 99th NEC meeting, originally slated for August 15, has been rescheduled multiple times and will now take place on November 28, 2024. During the 98th NEC meeting in April, party leaders resolved to finalize Damagum’s fate at the upcoming gathering.

With the PDP’s next elective convention scheduled for late 2025, Damagum’s tenure as acting chairman is expected to continue, ensuring stability within the party as it gears up for the 2027 elections.