Atiku Backs Move to Remove PDP Acting Chairman Damagum

Atiku’s backing of efforts to remove Damagum as PDP acting chairman highlights ongoing tensions within the party. Get the details of this political shift.

According to reports, former vice president Atiku Abubakar is endorsing attempts to oust Umar Damagum from his position as acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to party insiders, Atiku has been aggressively contacting PDP members on the National Working Committee (NWC) to push for Damagum’s dismissal.

The 13 PDP governors are split over this internal dispute; seven of them, led by Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, are in favor of Damagum’s dismissal.

However, four governors—including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State—are advocating for Damagum to stay in his role.

Allies of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister who has been at war with the PDP Governors’ Forum, make up the pro-Damagum faction.

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Since Wike joined five PDP governors to oppose Atiku’s presidential campaign during last year’s federal elections, Wike and Atiku have been at odds.

Speaking under anonymity, a prominent PDP NWC member verified Atiku’s role in organizing anti-Damagum forces and other important party players.

“We are not alone,” the source said, quoting former vice president Atiku Abubakar as well as other significant party figures.

After Iyorchia Ayu was removed from office and Damagum assumed the position of acting National Chairman of the PDP, stakeholders have chastised Damagum for not enacting the necessary changes to bring the party back to life.

When Wike, rather than Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was given control of the Rivers State PDP structure by Damagum’s NWC, tensions increased. The PDP Governors’ Forum, which maintained that a state governor has the authority to head the party in the state, was incensed by this conduct.

“I can confirm that Atiku has spoken with some of us,” the source said in response to a question about what Atiku told the anti-Damagum NWC members. He gave us the reassurance that we are not alone in our quest for equity, justice, and fairness.

He urged us to maintain our resolve and to keep pushing for the NWC to make choices every day that are in line with the PDP Constitution. He did not object and acknowledged our motives for wanting Damagum removed.

“Our objective is to defend the party so that Nigerians have an alternative in future elections; we have no personal grudges against Damagum. Damagum ought to respect the party’s bylaws and customs, return to his previous position as Deputy National Chairman (North), and give the North Central party prompt opportunity to propose a replacement.

According to a second trustworthy source close to Atiku, the former vice president wants Damagum replaced in line with the PDP constitution. “Atiku is working with NWC members and other committed party leaders to make sure that the proper steps are taken to uphold the party’s constitution,” this source stated.

The insider said, “It’s not about Damagum; the former Vice President is focused on democracy and the PDP,” in response to a question on if Atiku wants Damagum dismissed. Atiku would rather work covertly to make things right.

Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media advisor, did not pick up the phone or return messages, thus all attempts to get in touch with him for a reaction were fruitless.

Deputy National Youth Leader and PDP NEC member Timothy Osadolor, however, has urged party leaders to put aside their disagreements, avoid verbal altercations, and refer any issues to the relevant committees.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Osadolor urged all parties to let the reconciliation and disciplinary committees to carry out their important work without interference.

The PDP NWC formed two committees on August 21st: one for disciplinary concerns under the leadership of former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi, and another for reconciliation under the leadership of former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. While the Ikimi committee will examine petitions and suggest sanctions for members who break party rules, the Oyinlola committee is responsible for bringing party members together and handling various concerns.

“The NEC approved the establishment of reconciliation and disciplinary committees,” Osadolor declared. These committees have been established and are operating at the moment. Although I am aware that there are problems within the party, I still have confidence in the reconciliation committee and Ikimi’s committee.

Members should avoid doing anything that could divert these committees’ attention and instead contact them with legitimate concerns. He said, “We have to stop using language in public and let the committees do their job.