Leaders from the North Central zone of the Peoples Democratic Party have started the process of finding a replacement for the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, ahead of the 99th National Executive Committee meeting on October 24.
The North Central caucus considers this meeting crucial for the party’s future stability, especially after the internal strife that plagued the party before and after the 2023 general elections.
Damagum has faced criticism from party members for failing to implement meaningful reforms, which has led to ongoing challenges. The situation worsened when Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike publicly criticized Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the PDP Governors’ Forum over the party’s structural issues.
To address this, North Central stakeholders are pushing for Damagum’s replacement, citing Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution. This section requires vacancies to be filled by individuals from the same zone to complete the original tenure.
The PUNCH reported that a senior NEC member from the North Central zone revealed that efforts are underway to select a replacement by the October 24 meeting.
The North Central caucus met in Abuja, deciding to present a unified candidate at the NEC meeting. Contenders include former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and party chieftain Conrad Utaan.
The anonymous source said, “Yes, we met at Stratton Hotel in Abuja. We have listened to presentations from several aspirants, and further meetings will take place to finalize our choice.”
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang will consult additional stakeholders and convene a Zonal Executive Committee meeting to decide on the most competent candidate.
The immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, emphasized the importance of adhering to the set date, warning against further delays.
“The North Central Caucus has met and will meet again to affirm that the announced date for the NEC must stand,” he said.
Conrad Utaan, an aspirant for the National Chairman position, expressed optimism about the ongoing consultations leading to a consensus candidate.
“I recently spoke with the North Central Executive Committee for two hours, and my message was well-received.
“I expect the North Central zone to present only one candidate at the NEC meeting on October 24,” Utaan said.
