PDP Governors Force Damagum To Step Down Amid Leadership Crisis

 PDP Damagum National Chairman Indications suggest that Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), may step down from his position next week following a meeting of the party’s governors held in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday. According to sources close to the discussions, the governors are committed to addressing the factional tensions within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in a bid to protect the PDP’s integrity.

The meeting, held shortly before the official flag-off of the PDP governorship campaign rally in Ondo State, highlighted the urgency of resolving the internal crisis.

It was agreed that Damagum would continue as acting chairman until the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for October 24, where a final decision on leadership could be made.

Among those present at the Akure meeting were prominent figures such as Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, along with governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun).

During an earlier virtual meeting on Monday, Governor Adeleke expressed frustration with the ongoing party crisis, noting its potential negative impact on his prospects for a second term in 2026.

He criticized Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for not supporting the North-Central’s efforts to retain the chairmanship, despite both being first-term governors from the same region.

In response, Mutfwang indicated a shift in his position, showing support for the North-Central’s continued leadership role.

Although Damagum’s removal was initially opposed by governors Makinde, Mutfwang, Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Makinde proposed that if Damagum steps down, it should be done in a way that provides him with a “soft landing.”

The governors agreed that Damagum would remain in his role until the NEC meeting, during which the North-Central’s nomination for the position will be ratified, and possible dates for a national convention will be discussed.