The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a potential internal crisis as North-East governors on the party’s platform have thrown their support behind the acting national chairman, Alhaji Umar Damagum, urging him to remain in office until the expiration of the ousted former chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure.
In a statement released on Thursday by Humwashi Wonosikou, Press Secretary to Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, the governors expressed their confidence in Damagum’s leadership, calling on party members to respect a court ruling that upheld his position.
The statement read in part, “The People’s Democratic Party in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states have endorsed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum’s leadership as acting national chairman. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, speaking on behalf of the five states, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership since assuming office.”
The North-East governors referenced a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which had issued a restraining order preventing the PDP’s National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, and other affiliates from replacing or nominating any chairman other than Damagum. Fintiri highlighted that Damagum should remain in office until Ayu’s tenure is completed unless the court decides otherwise.
Governor Fintiri also commended Damagum’s role in restoring public confidence in the PDP, urging members to respect the court ruling for the sake of the party’s unity and democracy. He described the PDP’s performance in the North-East region during the 2023 general elections as “unprecedented” and argued that the zone deserved to retain the position of national chairman more than any other part of the North.
The decision to support Damagum, however, risks further deepening divisions within the PDP, particularly as the party continues to grapple with internal strife.
Meanwhile, Arewa PUNCH reports that the Federal High Court’s ruling effectively bars the party from appointing any new chairman until the case is resolved, adding legal pressure to the political tussle within the PDP.
As the party navigates this new phase of uncertainty, it remains to be seen how Damagum’s leadership will steer the party toward unity or if the growing internal tensions will spark a deeper crisis ahead of key political milestones.
