As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on November 28, sources suggest that Umar Damagum will continue as acting national chairman into next year.
Damagum, who took over the position after Senator Iyorchia Ayu was removed by court order, has been under scrutiny for his leadership during a tumultuous time for the party.
Reports indicate that the National Working Committee (NWC) will meet with the chairmen from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) today at the party’s headquarters in Abuja. The meeting, described as a “familiarisation session,” is expected to strengthen Damagum’s position and rally support ahead of the NEC gathering.
Critics, however, accuse Damagum of indecisiveness, particularly in addressing the political crisis in Rivers State involving Governor Siminalaye Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Some party leaders blame him for recent electoral losses in Edo and Ondo states, while others argue external factors were at play.
Insiders reveal that many stakeholders now favor allowing Damagum to remain until the party’s 2025 convention, where a permanent chairman will be elected. Legal disputes and regional considerations have complicated efforts to replace him.
According to a party source who spoke with PUNCH, “The NEC meeting will proceed as planned, but Damagum will continue as the party’s acting national chairman until further notice. This is because many members and key stakeholders are now less focused on replacing him for a term shorter than 10 months when they could instead have a permanent chairman who would serve a full 4-year term.
“The delay in finding a replacement has led many to lose interest in the matter. With an elective PDP convention scheduled between October and November 2025, party leaders have shifted their focus to managing Damagum, despite his shortcomings, until the next convention. This convention will elect a new NWC for a 4-year term and select party candidates for the 2027 elections.
“In addition to these reasons, there are ongoing legal disputes surrounding the issue. While these can potentially be navigated, some party leaders want to avoid actions that could lead to more litigation.
“Moreover, the Wike group backing Damagum has expanded its influence into the North-Central zone. As a result, the zone, led by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has not yet convened to propose a replacement for Damagum. Therefore, Damagum will remain in his acting role for now.”
The reliable source also revealed that the acting national chairman is actively engaging with stakeholders.
He continued, “As part of these engagements, a meeting is scheduled for Wednesday (today) where Damagum and members of the NWC will meet with the 36 state chairmen and the FCT.
“According to the meeting agenda, it is primarily a familiarisation session between the NWC and the newly elected state chairmen.
“However, it is likely that additional discussions will take place, where Damagum’s supporters will seek to secure the backing and commitment of the majority, if not all, of the state chairmen ahead of the NEC meeting.
“They will garner their support and prepare them for any unexpected developments. Since not all NEC members have voting rights, don’t be surprised if a vote of confidence is passed on Damagum on November 28, allowing him to continue in his acting capacity.”
“The NEC will proceed as scheduled, and in fact, the notice is expected to be released this week.
“Some party members are simply causing unnecessary worry over Damagum. He didn’t push himself into the role; the constitution granted him that position.
“Any replacement for an NWC member who dies, is removed or resigns, must come from the same region. That is the position of PDP Constitution. Ayu is from the North, Damagum too hails from the North,” the party chieftain pointed out.
