Nigerian Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) have decided to remove IIiya Umar Damagum from his position as acting National Chairman. This announcement was made by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, following a meeting with the NWC on Tuesday night.
Damagum, a loyalist of the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, was appointed acting chairman after the removal of Iyorchia Ayu in June 2023.
Governor Mohammed criticized Damagum’s continued leadership, labeling it a “constitutional aberration.” He argued that leadership vacancies should be filled by representatives from the region where the vacancy originated, which in this case is the North Central, as Ayu hailed from Benue State.
“We know the North Central has been craving for it, and we have discussed the issue to ensure that they are given the opportunity to assume that responsibility,” Mohammed stated.
He also referenced historical precedents within the party, noting that the North East previously benefited from similar arrangements when Ahmadu Muazu became National Chairman after Alhaji Bamanga Tukur’s resignation.
The PDP’s ongoing leadership crisis underscores the party’s internal divisions, and the governors are advocating for a resolution that honors the party’s constitutional guidelines.
