Atiku Aligns with PDP Faction Seeking Removal of Damagum as Acting National Chairman

The internal crisis in the PDP deepens as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar supports members of the party’s National Working Committee aiming to remove Umar Damagum from his leadership position

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his support behind members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who are pushing for the removal of acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. The ongoing PDP leadership crisis has led to internal division, with some key figures in the party advocating for a leadership change.

Reports indicate that Atiku has actively reached out to anti-Damagum members, bolstering their efforts to challenge the acting chairman’s authority. The push to oust Damagum has split the 13 state governors elected under the PDP. While a faction, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, calls for Damagum’s exit, a rival group, spearheaded by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, supports his continued leadership. Notably, the pro-Damagum faction is aligned with the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has been at odds with the PDP Governors’ Forum since last year’s elections.

The tension between Atiku and Wike dates back to the 2023 general elections, when Wike led five governors to oppose Atiku’s presidential bid. Now, the PDP leadership crisis has escalated as Atiku backs the group seeking Damagum’s removal.

A key source within the NWC, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that Atiku has been in contact with several anti-Damagum forces. The source noted, “Atiku Abubakar has spoken to us, assuring us that our fight for justice and adherence to the PDP Constitution is valid. He supports our stand and encourages us to remain steadfast.”

The friction within the party became more pronounced after Damagum’s NWC transferred control of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike, bypassing the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara. This decision provoked further backlash from the PDP Governors’ Forum, which emphasized that state governors should naturally lead the party in their respective states.

Atiku’s involvement in the PDP leadership crisis is seen as a move to restore balance in the party’s operations. While Atiku has not made public comments on the situation, sources suggest his focus is on ensuring the party operates in line with democratic principles and the PDP’s constitution.

The party’s internal conflicts led the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) to establish two key committees in August: one for disciplinary matters, chaired by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi, and another for reconciliation, led by former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, urged party members to put aside differences and allow these committees to perform their duties without distractions.

As the PDP leadership crisis continues to unfold, the future of the party’s top leadership remains uncertain. Both factions are vying for control, and Atiku’s backing of the anti-Damagum forces adds further complexity to the situation.