‘A Defragmented Party’ – PDP Chairman, Damagum Speaks On Internal Crisis

The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Iliya Damagum, has stated why he received backlash for the ongoing crisis in the party.

During a recent chat with journalists, Damagum stated that he inherited the challenges but has opted to remain composed in order to facilitate the healing process.

While describing the PDP as a fragmented party, Damagum maintains that the opposition camp was not victorious in the elections of 2019 and 2023.

Naija News reports that the PDP has not yet achieved its goal of regaining national power after nine years and two unsuccessful attempts.

After defeat at the presidential elections, the party continues the struggle to bring aggrieved members together while other prominent members disagree with the PDP leadership.

Speaking with Daily Trust during the weekend, Damagum says, “Well, when you have a fragmented party that is full of people that are not happy they lost, people have played different roles; so my duty here is to take the bullet for all sinners so that the party will remain an indivisible party.”

It is important to highlight that, similar to his predecessors, Damagum has faced criticism regarding the party’s apparent failure to address its internal divisions in preparation for the 2027 elections.

Leadership Struggle

Over the past year, the PDP has undergone a remarkable three leadership changes and has been unable to convene a convention to elect a new chairman due to ongoing internal conflicts.

Since the departure of Iyorchia Ayu, the party has yet to appoint a permanent national chairman and has deferred any decisions on this issue until the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, while the acting chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, has been asked to remain in his role.

The party is divided into two primary factions: one led by former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the other by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. Both factions have remained steadfast in their positions, displaying a strong sense of indignation.

Additionally, a potential third faction is emerging, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is also believed to harbour presidential aspirations and does not align with either of the two main camps.

It is thought that Atiku’s faction is advocating for the election of a new national chairman from the North-central zone, while Wike’s faction wants Damagum to continue in his role.

Beyond the factional disputes, the North-central zone of the party is demanding Damagum’s removal, asserting that the national chairmanship should revert to their region following the ousting of Iyorchia Ayu, who hails from there.

Although the situation has temporarily stabilized, there are mixed sentiments regarding the party’s ability to reorganize and improve its performance in the 2027 elections.

Notably, former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, along with former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, has recently departed from the party.

Moreover, 60 federal lawmakers have warned that they will leave the PDP if Damagum does not resign from his position.