In a fresh twist to the leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly thrown his support behind efforts to unseat the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. Sources within the party revealed that Atiku has reached out to key members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), advocating for Damagum’s ouster.
The move has further split the 13 PDP state governors, with a faction led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed pushing for Damagum’s removal, while another group, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, supports his retention. The governors backing Damagum are seen as allies of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has been at odds with the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Atiku and Wike famously fell out ahead of the 2023 general elections, with Wike leading five PDP governors in opposition to Atiku’s presidential bid. This lingering animosity appears to be fueling the current push to restructure the party’s leadership.
A senior PDP NWC member, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed that Atiku had reached out to the anti-Damagum faction within the party. “We are not alone; Atiku Abubakar has spoken to some of us, offering his full support,” the source revealed.
Damagum, who took over as acting National Chairman after the removal of Iyorchia Ayu, has faced criticism from party stakeholders for his inability to implement necessary reforms. The tension boiled over when the NWC, under Damagum’s leadership, handed control of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike, sidelining Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a move that infuriated the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Speaking on Atiku’s communication with the NWC members, the source added, “Atiku supports our quest for justice and adherence to the PDP Constitution. He understands why we are pushing for Damagum’s removal and did not oppose it.”
The source clarified that their primary goal is to preserve the PDP’s integrity and ensure that Nigerians continue to have a strong opposition party. “We have no personal issues with Damagum, but he should step back to his previous role as Deputy National Chairman (North) and allow a replacement from the North Central.”
Another insider close to Atiku indicated that the former Vice President wants Damagum replaced in line with the PDP’s constitution. “Atiku is quietly working with NWC members and other stakeholders to make sure the party is set on the right path.”
The battle over Damagum’s future has highlighted a deep divide within the PDP. While seven governors, including Bala Mohammed, want Damagum out, four governors, led by Seyi Makinde, are advocating for his retention. The pro-Damagum governors are aligned with Wike, adding another layer to the complex power struggle within the party.
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Amidst the internal strife, some PDP leaders are calling for calm. Timothy Osadolor, the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, urged members to avoid public confrontations and instead work through the party’s reconciliation and disciplinary committees.
“The NEC has approved two committees: one for reconciliation led by former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and another for disciplinary matters led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi. These committees are currently working to resolve the issues within the party,” Osadolor said.
He emphasized the need for unity, urging members to avoid verbal attacks and give the committees time to address grievances.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Atiku’s push to unseat Damagum will succeed or deepen the cracks within the PDP’s leadership. With a divided party and key governors on opposing sides, the battle for the soul of the PDP is far from over.
