Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has thrown his support behind a growing movement within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remove the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. Sources confirmed that Atiku has reached out to members of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), encouraging them to take steps toward Damagum’s removal.
The push to unseat Damagum has caused a split among the PDP governors, with different factions forming. Seven governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, are advocating for Damagum’s removal.
However, four other governors, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, stand firmly behind Damagum and want him to remain in office.
The governors backing Damagum are allies of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who has had a long-standing conflict with the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Atiku’s fallout with Wike dates back to the period before last year’s general elections. During that time, Wike led a group of five PDP governors who opposed Atiku’s presidential candidacy, resulting in tensions between the two political figures.
A senior member of the PDP NWC, who chose to remain anonymous, told PUNCH that Atiku is supporting efforts to remove Damagum. The source stated, “We are not alone; important leaders in the party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have spoken with some of us.”
Damagum took over as acting National Chairman after Iyorchia Ayu was removed from the position. However, his leadership has faced criticism, particularly from party stakeholders who believe he has failed to implement necessary reforms to strengthen the PDP.
The situation escalated further when the NWC, under Damagum’s leadership, transferred control of the Rivers State PDP structure to Nyesom Wike, instead of the sitting governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara.
This move angered the PDP Governors’ Forum, which argues that state governors should serve as the leaders of the party in their respective states.
Speaking on Atiku’s stance, the anonymous source added, “Atiku understands our reasons for wanting Damagum removed and did not disagree.” The source clarified that their issue with Damagum is not personal, but rather about upholding the party’s constitution and ensuring it can offer Nigerians a strong political alternative.
Another reliable source close to Atiku revealed that the former Vice President’s focus is on ensuring that the PDP constitution is respected. The source explained that Atiku is working behind the scenes with key party leaders to restore order and uphold democratic principles within the PDP.
