The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shows no signs of resolution, as the leadership battle over the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has caused a further split among PDP governors. Tensions have heightened as factions within the PDP Governors’ Forum continue to take opposing sides on the issue.
A senior PDP official told PUNCH that Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has gathered the support of four influential PDP governors, namely Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, in backing Damagum to remain in his position. This group is intent on keeping Damagum as acting National Chairman, even as other governors push for his removal.
Among the 13 PDP governors, seven have expressed their opposition to Damagum’s leadership. These governors, led by Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, want him ousted. Others supporting this stance include Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom. Meanwhile, Peter Mbah of Enugu and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara have remained neutral.
Since Damagum took over after the court sacked former chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu, calls for his removal have grown within the party. Damagum’s critics argue that his leadership has worsened the party’s internal crisis, leading to growing frustration. One particular issue was the controversial approval of the Rivers State PDP Congresses, backed by Wike, which sparked further division.
Wike, on his part, has strongly defended Damagum, even threatening to interfere in the states of governors who continue to meddle in Rivers’ affairs. His statement, made on August 31, led to strong backlash from the PDP Governors’ Forum. Bala Mohammed described Wike’s threat as “irresponsible,” deepening the divide between the two sides.
Despite this, Wike’s camp, led by Makinde, remains firm in their support for Damagum. Makinde declared on Wednesday that he fully backs Damagum’s leadership and the decisions of the National Working Committee (NWC), aiming to stabilize the party.
Makinde said, “We are 100 percent in support of the Damagum-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition the party.”
