As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its National Executive Committee meeting on October 24, a rift has emerged among party members regarding the replacement of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.
Since 2023, the PDP has faced internal challenges, with criticism directed at Damagum for his inability to implement necessary reforms within the party. Consequently, some members, particularly from the North Central region, are advocating for Damagum’s ousting and are adamant that his successor should come from their area.
They reference Section 47(6) of the party’s constitution, which states that if a vacancy occurs in any party office, the Executive Committee must appoint a replacement from the same region as the outgoing officer to serve the remainder of their term.
However, a disagreement has arisen between two prominent party figures over which zone should provide Damagum’s successor. Segun Showunmi, a 2023 PDP governorship aspirant in Ogun State, contends that the position should not be limited to the North Central region, contrary to the views of former National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan.
Ologbondiyan argues that the replacement must originate from North Central, stating, “What the North Central is agitating for is for Damagum to leave that post and return to his position as Deputy National Chairman. The zone will then nominate a suitable person to replace him and complete the tenure.” He emphasized the need for North Central to reclaim its rightful place in the National Working Committee by securing the position of National Chairman.
In contrast, Showunmi asserts that the issues surrounding Damagum’s potential removal stem from broader concerns affecting the party, not just regional interests. He said, “What led to the removal of the last Chairman? Was it not the North Central issues at the heart of this problem? The party will lose if they continue this way.”
He further emphasized his belief in the need for fresh perspectives within the party, stating, “I am from the South, and I have the best ideas to get this party moving right now. We need to bring young people into this party. By even putting myself forward for this, I am taking a big risk with my money and time. So, it is not about the zone; it is about the PDP, and I am saying all this because we cannot have a one-party state.”
