Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his support for efforts to remove Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Reports from Sunday indicate that Atiku has been in contact with members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), urging them to advocate for Damagum’s ouster.
This initiative has sparked a division among the 13 state governors associated with the PDP. Seven governors, spearheaded by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, are in favor of Damagum’s removal, while four others, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, are backing his continuation in the role. The governors supporting Damagum are allied with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who is currently at odds with the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Atiku’s relationship with Wike deteriorated before the previous year’s general elections, during which Wike and four other PDP governors actively opposed Atiku’s presidential ambitions.
A senior official within the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), speaking on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public comments, confirmed that the former Vice President has made contact with various members of the anti-Damagum faction and other key stakeholders within the party. The source stated, “We are not alone; important leaders in the party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have spoken with some of us.”
Since assuming the position of acting National Chairman of the PDP following Iyorchia Ayu’s removal, Damagum has faced criticism from stakeholders for not enacting necessary reforms to rejuvenate the party. Tensions intensified when the NWC under Damagum decided to hand over control of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike, rather than to Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This decision provoked the PDP Governors’ Forum, which argued that the state governor should hold the title of party leader within their jurisdiction.
When inquired about Atiku’s communication with the anti-Damagum members of the NWC, the source remarked, “I can confirm that Atiku has spoken with some of us. He assured us that we are not alone and that he supports our pursuit of justice, fairness, and equity. He encouraged us to stay motivated and continue advocating for the PDP Constitution to be followed in the NWC’s daily decisions. He understands our reasons for wanting Damagum removed and did not disagree.
“We have no personal issues with Damagum; our goal is to protect the party so that Nigerians have an alternative in future elections. Damagum should honor the party’s constitution and traditions, step back to his original role as Deputy National Chairman (North), and allow the North Central to nominate a replacement promptly.”
Another trusted source close to Atiku revealed that the former Vice President is seeking Damagum’s replacement in line with the PDP’s Constitution. The source stated, “Atiku is working alongside NWC members and other committed party leaders to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to uphold the party’s constitution.”
When asked if Atiku wants Damagum to be removed, the source clarified, “This is not solely about Damagum; the former Vice President is focused on democracy and the wellbeing of the PDP. Atiku prefers to operate quietly to mend what has been broken.”
