Breaking News:Group Calls for Acting PDP Chairman Damagum to Step Aside

By Usman A Harande

In a bold move, the PDP Renaissance Group, a prominent stakeholders’ forum within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the North Central Region, has urged Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum to relinquish his position. The group cites the party’s constitution and zoning arrangements, emphasizing that the North Central Zone should produce a substantive replacement for former National Chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

Constitutional Concerns Ignite Power Struggle

According to Dr. Gowon Aondoawase, Chairman of the PDP Renaissance Group, Damagum’s prolonged tenure as Acting National Chairman contravenes Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution. The section stipulates that a vacancy in any party office must be filled by a member from the same zone as the previous occupant. Ayu’s removal from office in March 2023 paved the way for Damagum’s appointment, but the group insists that the North Central Zone must now nominate a credible successor.

Power Play in the North Central Zone

Sources indicate that prominent figures are being considered for the role, including former Senate President David Mark, former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, and former Kogi State Deputy Governor Philip Salawu. The PDP Renaissance Group has commended the North Central Zone’s leadership for convening stakeholder meetings to select a suitable candidate.

The group has appealed to the PDP’s Board of Trustees, National Working Committee, and other party organs to support the North Central Zone’s constitutional right to produce the substantive National Chairman. They cautioned against attempts to delay the scheduled National Executive Committee meeting or manipulate the process, warning that such actions could exacerbate the party’s internal crisis.

This development highlights the ongoing power struggle within the PDP. With the NEC meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025, the party’s internal dynamics are set to intensify. Will the PDP heed the call for a new National Chairman, or will the crisis continue to simmer? One thing is certain – the fate of Nigeria’s leading opposition force hangs in the balance.

As the PDP navigates this internal crisis, stakeholders and party members will be watching closely. Will the North Central Zone’s efforts yield a new National Chairman, or will the party’s internal power struggles continue to dominate the headlines? Stay tuned for further updates.

PDP Renaissance Group’s demands:

1. Acting Chairman Damagum should step aside.
2. North Central Zone should nominate a substantive National Chairman.
3. PDP’s Board of Trustees and National Working Committee should support the North Central Zone’s constitutional right.
4. The scheduled NEC meeting should proceed without delay or manipulation.

Potential Candidates:

1. Former Senate President David Mark
2. Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam
3. Former Kogi State Deputy Governor Philip Salawu
4. Former PDP Deputy National Secretary Emmanuel Agbo
5. Engr. Conrad Utaan

Implications:

1. Internal power struggle within the PDP
2. Potential impact on the party’s performance in future elections
3. Constitutional crisis within the party
4. Potential division within the party’s ranks

This development highlights the PDP’s ongoing struggle to balance power and zoning arrangements. The party’s ability to navigate this crisis will be crucial in determining its future prospects. As the NEC meeting approaches, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the party’s leadership responds to the PDP Renaissance Group’s demands.

Conclusion

The PDP Renaissance Group’s call for Acting Chairman Damagum to step aside has ignited a power struggle within the party. As the North Central Zone seeks to nominate a substantive National Chairman, the party’s internal dynamics will continue to unfold. Will the PDP heed the call for change, or will the crisis persist? Only time will tell.

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