Efforts to oust Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, have been unsuccessful.
Ahead of today’s National Executive Committee meeting, discussions among party officials have revolved around whether Damagum should retain his position or be replaced.
Formerly the PDP National Deputy Chairman (North), Damagum assumed the role of acting National Chairman after a court ruling suspended the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
The court’s decision came following a request from a PDP member, Terhide Utaan, prompted by a vote of no confidence passed on Ayu by his ward executives in Igyorov ward, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
Recently, a group of 60 House of Representatives members called for Damagum’s removal and the appointment of a new chairman from the North Central region.
However, the House minority caucus, led by Kingsley Chinda, distanced itself from this group shortly after, dismissing it as an unrecognized entity within the parliament.
A House of Representatives PDP Caucus meeting on Tuesday ended in disagreement, with lawmakers divided between those supporting Damagum’s continuance and those opposing it.
Despite efforts at the pre-NEC meeting to garner lawmakers’ confidence in Damagum, spearheaded by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, faced challenges and did not proceed as planned.
It is worth noting that on Wednesday, the PDP’s National Working Committee expressed full support for Damagum.
However, following their caucus meeting, the North Central Zone of the party unanimously agreed that the zone should nominate the next national chairman after Ayu’s ousting.
After the National Caucus meeting in the early hours of Thursday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba announced that Damagum would remain as the acting national chairman until the next NEC meeting following today’s session.
The PDP National Caucus is a vital gathering of party stakeholders that precedes the NEC meeting and sets the tone for major decisions to be made at the NEC meeting.
When the National Caucus reaches a consensus on matters, the NEC typically approves it; however, in cases of disagreement, other NEC members vote on the issue at hand.
Ologunagba revealed that the PDP National Caucus endorsed Damagum’s continued acting role to allow for broader consultations.
He explained, “During the meeting, the national caucus deliberated on upcoming local government, ward, and state congresses scheduled between June and August 2024. The Caucus supported the NWC’s reconstitution of the party’s disciplinary and reconciliation committees, standing committees tasked with addressing internal party affairs.
Furthermore, the caucus extended the tenure of the party’s Constitution Review Committee to consider new proposals for amending the party’s constitution.
In addition, discussions on various fundraising strategies for the party, including membership drives, investment initiatives, and other issues, were held for the NWC to address and present to the NEC for approval.”
Emphasizing the party’s commitment to fostering a united organization accepted by all Nigerians, Ologunagba stated, “The caucus did not deliberate on this matter given the complexities surrounding leadership at this time.
Therefore, the matter has been deferred to the next NEC meeting. The issues presented by the NWC were discussed by the caucus. Umar Damagum will remain the acting national chairman until the subsequent NEC meeting after today’s session.
“The party recognizes the need for further consultations on this matter. Our priority is maintaining unity within the party as we navigate through these challenges without causing division. We are dedicated to following our constitution and any succession plan that aligns with our current circumstances, including ongoing court processes. Our aim is to take actions that promote unity following our constitution.”
Ologunagba also shared that the National Caucus directed the NWC to review the list of the Rivers State Caretaker Committee.
“The matter of the Rivers State Caretaker Committee List was raised at the meeting, and it was decided that a political solution should be applied to address all related issues.”