The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces yet another leadership crisis as the party’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, may be forced to step down from his position next week. The party’s governors, in a meeting held in Akure, Ondo State, have reached an agreement that could see Damagum leave his post in a matter of days.
This development comes as the PDP continues to struggle with internal divisions, especially within its National Working Committee (NWC). The cracks in the party’s leadership have raised concerns about its unity and readiness to compete in the 2026 general elections.
The PDP governors have taken it upon themselves to resolve the crisis threatening to tear the party apart. A source close to the meeting, held in Akure before the flag-off of the PDP governorship campaign rally in Ondo, said the governors were deeply concerned about the factionalisation of the party’s NWC. The meeting was a follow-up to a virtual gathering held the previous day.
The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, along with other prominent governors such as Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, were all present at the Akure meeting.
According to insiders, one of the key decisions reached was to allow Damagum to remain in office until the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24. However, it is likely that the meeting will see the nomination of a new chairman from the North-Central zone, effectively ending Damagum’s short tenure.
The leadership crisis in the PDP has been simmering for months, and tensions within the party have been building up. The root of the problem is factionalism within the NWC, which has seen different party leaders taking opposing sides. One of the key players in this internal battle is Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, who is reportedly worried that the crisis could affect his chances of re-election in 2026.
During the virtual meeting on Monday, Adeleke expressed his disappointment with the ongoing crisis, stating that it could jeopardize his chances of retaining his position. He specifically criticized Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, accusing him of not supporting the North-Central’s bid to retain the chairmanship position. However, Mutfwang is said to have changed his stance and now supports the idea of a new chairman emerging from the North-Central zone, in line with the party’s constitution.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who has emerged as a key figure in the resolution of the crisis, has been advocating for a “soft landing” for Damagum. This means that while the acting chairman may have to step down, it will be done in a way that preserves his dignity and avoids further conflict within the party.
Damagum’s leadership has been marked by controversy. He took over as acting national chairman following the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu earlier this year. Since then, Damagum has faced mounting opposition from within the party.
The most significant challenge to his leadership came last week when a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled against his removal. The court ordered that no one should be recognized as the acting chairman of the PDP until the party’s national convention, scheduled for December 2025. This ruling came in response to a faction of the NWC, led by Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, who announced Damagum’s suspension.
Despite the court’s ruling, the PDP governors have moved ahead with plans to replace Damagum. It is expected that the October 24 NEC meeting will ratify a new chairman from the North-Central region.
The crisis within the PDP has raised fears about the party’s ability to remain a strong opposition force ahead of the 2026 elections. In response, the PDP Governors’ Forum has called for unity within the party. In a communiqué issued after their meetings, the governors urged all factions to come together and work for the greater good of the party.
“There are no factions in the party, and minor issues should not be blown out of proportion,” the communiqué read. It also called on all members to withdraw any pending court cases related to the leadership crisis.
The communiqué, signed by Governor Bala Mohammed, also emphasized the need for party members to remember their responsibility to grow the party and consolidate on the dreams of its founding fathers.
One of the key resolutions of the PDP Governors’ Forum was to reverse all suspensions issued by both factions of the NWC. Over the past few weeks, the Damagum-led NWC had suspended several top party officials, including National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade. In retaliation, the Yayari Mohammed faction suspended Damagum himself, along with National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
In their communiqué, the governors declared that all these suspensions had been lifted, and the NWC should revert to the status quo. This decision was made in consultation with the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and other organs.
The governors also called on the NWC to remain united and focus on the task of rebuilding the party ahead of the next national convention, which will be discussed at the upcoming NEC meeting.
The next few days are crucial for the PDP as it grapples with its internal struggles. The October 24 NEC meeting is expected to set the stage for a new chapter in the party’s leadership. The outcome of this meeting will likely determine whether the PDP can overcome its current challenges and present a united front in the 2026 elections.
