The Traffic

"PDP Drama: Umar Damagum Set to Remain Chairman Amid Leadership Crisis"

By Achimi Muktar

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on November 28, all signs indicate that Umar Damagum will continue as the party’s acting National Chairman until at least next year.

Despite increasing internal criticism and calls for his resignation, Damagum appears to have secured enough support to hold onto his position, even as the PDP faces escalating challenges, including leadership conflicts, electoral losses, and legal battles.

A Meeting of Power Brokers

On Wednesday, Damagum and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) convened with 36 state party chairmen and the FCT chairman at the PDP headquarters, Wadata Plaza in Abuja. Although the official agenda was described as a "familiarisation session," insiders revealed that the meeting aimed to consolidate support for Damagum ahead of the crucial NEC gathering.

One senior party figure, speaking anonymously, disclosed that many PDP state chairmen had arrived in Abuja early to participate in the meeting. “Damagum’s camp is working hard to secure their backing,” the source said. “They’re preparing for any unexpected developments during the NEC meeting, including a potential vote of confidence in his leadership.”

Delays and Deflection

The controversy surrounding Damagum began after he assumed office in the wake of Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal via a court ruling. While his tenure was intended to be temporary, the PDP’s inability to agree on a replacement has extended his stay, much to the frustration of some party members.

The NEC has postponed discussions on Damagum’s future multiple times this year, with meetings originally scheduled for August 15 and October 24 being delayed. Now, with the NEC gathering less than two weeks away, party leaders appear to have resigned themselves to retaining Damagum until the next elective convention, expected in late 2025.

Divided Opinions on Leadership

Critics accuse Damagum of poor leadership, blaming him for the PDP’s losses in recent governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. Former PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan did not mince words, stating, “The inability of Damagum to manage the party’s internal politics effectively is responsible for a series of losses suffered by the party. His continued stay in office will lead to more losses.”

However, Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor dismissed the criticism as unfair, attributing the losses to external factors such as the ruling APC’s use of "federal might" during the elections. “The outcomes in Edo and Ondo were beyond Damagum’s control,” he argued. “Some leaders blaming him for everything are simply trying to give a dog a bad name to hang it.”

Osadolor also pointed to ongoing legal battles that prevent the NEC from replacing Damagum. “There is a court injunction restraining the NEC from making any changes to the chairmanship,” he explained. “Only a miracle can remove Damagum at this point.”

What’s Next for the PDP?

As the NEC meeting approaches, party insiders say Damagum’s camp is strategizing to maintain his position. “With the elective convention still a year away, most stakeholders see no point in replacing him now for a term of less than 10 months,” another source revealed.

While some argue that retaining Damagum offers stability during a turbulent period, others warn that his continued leadership risks deepening the PDP’s woes. Amid these challenges, the party is also grappling with internal factionalism, declining electoral fortunes, and a need to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.