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Ikenna Ngere
Guest
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing internal tensions as two opposing camps within the party debate the future of its acting national chairman, Illiya Damagum.
This divide became evident after separate meetings with prominent governors sent conflicting messages about Damagum’s tenure.
Naija News reports that one group, composed of members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), met with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed on Tuesday.
Mohammed reportedly signaled that Damagum’s position was no longer viable and that the party was considering replacing him.
In a statement, Mohammed referred to the party’s constitution, which mandates that any leadership vacancy be filled by someone from the originating region, suggesting that the Northcentral zone should take over the role.
The Bauchi governor pointed out that the acting chairman, who hails from the Northeast, was no longer suitable for the position, and the Northcentral should be given the opportunity.
He recalled a precedent from when Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, a former governor of Bauchi State, assumed the role of PDP National Chairman after the resignation of Bamanga Tukur, also from the Northeast.
Reading the communique of his meeting with a faction of the NWC, he said: “My brother from the Northeast is currently serving as Acting National Chairman, which is constitutionally inappropriate.
“According to our party’s constitution, any leadership vacancy should be filled by someone from the region where it originated.
“Northcentral has been eager for this opportunity, and we’ve discussed this issue.
“We are committed to working with the NWC and the party to ensure that the Northcentral is given the chance to assume this responsibility.”
The NWC delegation that met with Governor Mohammed was led by National Legal Adviser, Kamaluddeen Adeyemi. Accompanying him were National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Vice Chairman (Northeast), Emmanuel Bovao.
Other members of the team included National Treasurer, Ahmed Yayari, National Women Leader, Amina Bryhm, and National Financial Secretary, W.A. Daniel. Also present were the Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Agbo Emmanuel, and Consultant Agu Emmanuel.
In contrast, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during a meeting in Ibadan with Damagum and another faction of the NWC, declared his full backing for the acting national chairman.
Makinde emphasized his 100 percent support for Damagum and urged party unity, especially ahead of the critical Edo governorship election.
“I was reading yesterday (Tuesday) that there was another meeting in Bauchi by some NWC members.
“Let me say clearly that I have been discussing with my brother and let me tell you that we are 100 per cent in support of Damagum-led NWC.
“Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition our party.
“Let me also say this: I don’t think this is the right time…Even if we have issues within ourselves, we have an important election on Saturday.
“So, we should all just rally around and deliver our candidate.”
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