The decision by the National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party to allow the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to lead the party until August 15, 2024, has caused division within the party’s House of Representatives members.
While this decision is seen as a victory for the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, who is vying for control of the party before the 2027 general election, a group of lawmakers sympathetic to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to continue fighting until Damagum is removed from office.
Earlier this month, during a media address, the lawmaker representing Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, speaking on behalf of 60 PDP lawmakers, called for Damagum’s removal, alleging anti-party activities and collaboration with the ruling party to weaken the PDP before the 2027 polls.
However, at a recent NEC meeting, the Ugochinyere-led group failed to achieve its goal, as the NEC granted Damagum another opportunity to lead until their next meeting on August 15.
This has led to speculation within the pro-Damagum camp that calm has finally returned to the PDP House caucus.
Responding to whether the aggrieved camp has accepted NEC’s decision in good faith, a member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, Oluwole Oke, answered affirmatively, stating, “Yes, I think so.” However, he added that instead of going to the press as they did, the aggrieved members should have consulted widely within the larger PDP caucus in the House for better collation of input.
Oke said, “What the Ugochinyere group achieved is to reawaken the party and minority leadership to their responsibility. However, their approach could have been better handled if they had properly consulted.
“They would have been advised to write and put their position in black and white, request the leadership to convey a meeting and if the leadership fails, then they could go out. All the same, but all the same, we have improved and we are now a better group.”
However, Ugochinyere told Saturday PUNCH that the extension granted to the PDP Acting National Chairman is unacceptable to his group.
He said, “Damagun is on a transition to handing over in August but we are not comfortable with the three-month extension. We are going to meet to explore either more advocacy or a legal route. When we meet, you will hear from us.”
Following the withdrawal of the suit challenging his suspension as the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu was lauded for his patriotism and sacrifice for the party.
As a result, the Ugochinyere group is demanding that a chieftain of the party from the North Central zone succeeds Ayu.
Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, and ex-Senate President, Bukola Saraki, have been linked with interest in the office.
