Fresh intrigues in PDP as stakeholders plot to retain Damagum as chairman beyond 2025

A fresh power struggle is reportedly brewing within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the retention of acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum.

According to media reports, efforts are underway to secure Damagum’s continuation not only for the remainder of Dr Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure but also to pave the way for his election as substantive chairman at the party’s 2025 national convention.

The PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for November 28, has now been postponed to February 2025 following a meeting of the PDP Governors Forum in Bauchi over the weekend.

The delay is intended to allow time for resolving internal disputes, but sources suggest it may also serve as a tactical move to strengthen Damagum’s position.

Sources reveal that the PDP is divided into two main factions. One camp, reportedly comprising certain governors and party stakeholders, supports Damagum’s retention until the end of 2025 and beyond.

The opposing camp, which includes other governors and party members, advocates for the emergence of a “true party man” who would adhere strictly to the party’s constitution.

Damagum, hailing from the North-East, was originally elected as Deputy National Chairman (North) before assuming the role of acting chairman after Dr. Ayu’s removal.

According to the PDP constitution, Ayu’s replacement should also come from the North-Central geopolitical zone, but internal wrangling has delayed the process.

Efforts to appoint a substantive replacement from the North-Central have repeatedly hit a dead end.

The NEC, which last met on April 18, had scheduled subsequent meetings for August 15, October 24, and November 28—all of which were postponed.

The latest delay, agreed upon by the Governors Forum, is seen as a victory for Damagum’s backers, who are reportedly strategizing to have him remain in office until 2025 and then secure his election as national chairman at the October 2025 convention.

An alternative proposal to bring in former Senate President David Mark to complete Ayu’s term reportedly failed, as Mark declined the role.

Sources close to him suggest he prefers to take on such a responsibility at a time when he could make a significant impact on the party’s fortunes, rather than serve a limited 10-month term.

Despite this setback, supporters of Mark’s candidacy remain persistent, believing he could lay the groundwork for a more united and effective PDP.

Proponents of Damagum’s continued leadership are reportedly planning to use the NEC to zone the national chairmanship to the North-East, thereby securing his position.

However, opponents argue for a stronger, constitutionally-aligned leader to emerge, ensuring the party is effectively restructured.

“The PDP Governors Forum meeting in Bauchi favours those backing Damagum.

“Their strategy is clear: keep him in office until the next national convention and then facilitate his election for a full tenure,” a party insider disclosed this to Nigerian Tribune on Sunday.