Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind the plot to unseat the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum.
It was learned that Atiku reached out to members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) advocating for Damagum’s removal.
This move to ouster Damagum has torn apart the 13 state governors elected on the PDP platform.
While seven governors, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, are pushing for Damagum’s removal, four others, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, support his retention.
The pro-Damagum governors are allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is in a running battle with the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Atiku and Wike fell apart ahead of last year’s general elections, with Wike leading five PDP governors to oppose Atiku’s 2023 presidential bid.
Meanwhile, a senior member of the PDP NWC, who pleaded anonymity due to a lack of authorization to speak publicly, confirmed that the former Vice President had reached out to some of the anti-Damagum forces and other party stakeholders.
“We are not alone; important leaders in the party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have spoken with some of us.” The source revealed.
Since assuming office as acting National Chairman of the PDP after the removal of Iyorchia Ayu, stakeholders have berated Damagum for his failure to implement essential reforms to revitalize the party.
Tensions heightened when Damagum’s NWC transferred control of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike instead of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This development angered the PDP Governors’ Forum, which insisted that a state governor has the right to serve as the party leader in the state.
When asked what Atiku communicated to the anti-Damagum NWC members, the source stated, “I can confirm that Atiku has spoken with some of us. He assured us that we are not alone and that he supports our pursuit of justice, fairness, and equity. He encouraged us to stay motivated and continue advocating for the PDP Constitution to be followed in the NWC’s daily decisions. He understands our reasons for wanting Damagum removed and did not disagree.
“We have no personal issues with Damagum; our goal is to protect the party so that Nigerians have an alternative in future elections. Damagum should honor the party’s constitution and traditions, step back to his original role as Deputy National Chairman (North), and allow the North Central to nominate a replacement promptly.”
Regarding whether Atiku wants Damagum removed, the source explained, “It’s not about Damagum; the former Vice President is focused on democracy and the PDP. Atiku prefers to work discreetly to repair what has been damaged.” The source said.
Efforts to reach Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, for a response were fruitless, as he did not answer calls or reply to messages.
However, a PDP NEC member and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, has called on party leaders to set aside their differences, refrain from verbal conflicts, and direct all matters to the appropriate committees.
In an exclusive interview with one of the national dailies ( not The News Chronicle) Osadolor expressed confidence in the reconciliation and disciplinary committees, urging all stakeholders to let them operate diligently without distractions.
It would be recalled that on August 21, the PDP NWC set up two committees: one headed by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi for disciplinary matters and another led by former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola for reconciliation.
The Oyinlola committee is tasked with reconciling party members and addressing various issues, while the Ikimi committee will review petitions and recommend sanctions for members who violate party rules.
“The NEC approved the establishment of reconciliation and disciplinary committees. These committees have been inaugurated and are currently working. I know that all is not well with the party, but I have faith in Ikimi’s committee and the reconciliation committee.
Members with genuine issues should reach out to these committees and avoid actions that may distract them. We must refrain from public verbal attacks and allow the committees to do their work.” Osadolor added.
