The rift within the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is deepening as governors and party officials take opposing positions on the continued stay of Acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum.
In separate meetings this week, PDP governors offered conflicting views on the fate of Damagum. During a meeting on Tuesday with some National Working Committee (NWC) members, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed signaled his support for removing Damagum, arguing that his tenure had become untenable.
“My brother from the Northeast is currently serving as Acting National Chairman, which is constitutionally inappropriate,” Mohammed stated. “According to our party’s constitution, any leadership vacancy should be filled by someone from the region where it originated, and the Northcentral has been eager for this opportunity.”
Mohammed referred to a precedent set after the resignation of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur from the Northeast, when former Bauchi State Governor Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu took over the party’s leadership. The NWC team that met with Mohammed included National Legal Adviser Kamaluddeen Adeyemi, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and other key party officials.
In contrast, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde pledged his full support for Damagum during a separate event in Ibadan, where the acting chairman and other NWC members were present for the groundbreaking of the Ladoke Akintola Airport rehabilitation. Makinde dismissed the notion of leadership change at this time and urged unity ahead of the upcoming Edo State governorship election.
“I have been discussing with my brother [Damagum], and let me make it clear: we are 100 per cent in support of the Damagum-led NWC,” Makinde said. “Whatever decisions you take, we will support you in repositioning our party. Even if we have internal issues, this is not the time. We have an important election on Saturday, and we should all rally around our candidate.”
Makinde also addressed speculation surrounding his absence from the Edo governorship campaign rally, explaining that prior commitments in Europe prevented him from attending. He reassured the party of his full backing for the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the election.
“I want to declare loud and clear that I am 100 per cent behind our candidate Asue Ighodalo. If the people of Edo want to know the difference between delicious and nutritious, vote for Ighodalo as your next governor. He will deliver,” Makinde concluded.
