Fresh Moves to Oust Damagum: Wike and Atiku Camps Gear Up for PDP Power Struggle

Amid ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the factions aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, are stepping up their rivalry. With a key National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting now set for November 28, both sides are mobilizing to secure control within the party.

During a recent gathering with his supporters in Port Harcourt, Wike declared his intent to continue being a “problem for Atiku, Obi, and certain PDP governors” who stand opposed to him and President Bola Tinubu. This statement underscores Wike’s commitment to challenging those who question his authority within the PDP.

Wike’s Strategy and the Rescheduled NEC Meeting

Inside sources reveal that Wike’s camp has been actively meeting in both Abuja and Port Harcourt to maintain influence over the acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and consolidate its grip on recent legal victories. The delay of the NEC meeting to November grants Damagum additional time in office, a development Wike’s allies see as an advantage in their efforts to bolster his position.

Conversely, Atiku’s faction has struggled since the resignation of former National Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. Efforts to replace Ayu with a North Central candidate have faced delays, and the recent court order blocking the NEC and PDP Board of Trustees from ousting Damagum has compounded the camp’s difficulties.

Legal Moves by Atiku’s Camp

In response to the court order, Atiku’s allies are rallying a team of lawyers, including two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, to challenge the ruling. A NEC member, speaking anonymously, commented, “We will appeal this order. Our 98th NEC meeting in April mandated that the National Working Committee (NWC) conduct necessary congresses and prepare to appoint Ayu’s successor. Damagum’s refusal to convene NEC has stalled this process, and now he’s using a court order to further cling to power.”

The insider continued, “Damagum is still the Deputy National Chairman (North) and is acting against party interests by hindering the transition. This temporary advantage he holds won’t last; we will take action to overturn this court decision.”

Impact of the Ondo Election

While the NEC meeting postponement may appear to favor Damagum, party members note that the delay is also to avoid distractions ahead of the Ondo State governorship election. The NEC member stated, “The shift is actually a win-win. Damagum may benefit in the short term, but it also gives us the necessary time to appeal the court order before the NEC convenes.”

North-Central Leaders Maintain Their Stance

Leaders from Nigeria’s North Central region remain adamant about securing the party chairmanship. Former PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan reiterated that the region is determined to enforce Section 47 (6) of the PDP constitution, which calls for a North Central replacement for Ayu to complete the tenure.

According to Ologbondiyan, “Our party is built on the rule of law. This is why we’ve endured as a strong institution. The North Central is committed to the fair application of party rules, and our demand to complete Ayu’s term remains strong.”

Among the candidates expressing interest in the chairmanship are former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and businessman Conrad Utaan. Utaan advocates for a fresh approach, aiming to break the hold of longstanding PDP elites over the party’s leadership.

PDP’s Future in the Balance

As the November NEC meeting approaches, both the Wike and Atiku camps are racing to secure their positions in the PDP power structure. With legal and political maneuvering underway on all sides, the outcome will likely shape the party’s direction as it approaches the next general elections.

The coming weeks promise intense deliberations and legal battles as the PDP factions prepare to face off, each hoping to guide the party toward their vision for its future.