The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is apparently embroiled in a new power battle over the retention of Iliya Damagum, the interim national chairman.
Media sources state that attempts are being made to ensure Damagum’s retention for the balance of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s term as well as to clear the path for his election as substantive chairman at the party’s national convention in 2025.
A meeting of the PDP Governors Forum in Bauchi over the weekend has resulted in the postponement of the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which was initially planned for November 28, to February 2025.
According to reports, the delay may also be a calculated attempt to bolster Damagum’s position, even though it is meant to give time for internal conflicts to be resolved.
According to sources, there are two primary groups within the PDP. One group, purportedly made up of certain governors and party members, is in favor of keeping Damagum in office until the end of 2025 and beyond.
Other governors and party members make up the opposite camp, which calls for the rise of a “true party man” who would uphold the party’s constitution to the letter.
Originally chosen as the Deputy National Chairman (North), Damagum, a native of the North-East, took over as acting chairman following Dr. Ayu’s dismissal.
The PDP constitution states that the North-Central geopolitical zone shall also produce Ayu’s successor, but internal strife has caused the process to be delayed.
Numerous attempts to select a significant replacement from the North-Central have failed.
Since its last meeting on April 18, the NEC has held postponed meetings on August 15, October 24, and November 28.
Damagum’s supporters, who are allegedly planning to have him stay in office until 2025 and then ensure his election as national chairman at the convention in October 2025, view the most recent delay, which was approved by the Governors Forum, as a win.
According to reports, a different plan to replace Ayu with former Senate President David Mark was unsuccessful when Mark turned down the position.
According to people close to him, he would rather assume such a role when he could have a big influence on the party’s future than during a brief 10-month period.
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Supporters of Mark’s candidacy are unfazed by this setback since they think he may create the foundation for a more cohesive and successful PDP.
According to reports, those who support Damagum’s continued leadership intend to secure his position by using the NEC to zone the national chairmanship to the northeast.
Opponents contend that a more powerful leader who is in line with the constitution should take over, guaranteeing that the party is successfully reorganized.
“Those that support Damagum are given preference during the PDP Governors Forum meeting in Bauchi.
According to a party official who spoke to Nigerian Tribune on Sunday, “their strategy is clear: keep him in office until the next national convention and then facilitate his election for a full tenure.”
