A fresh power struggle is reportedly emerging within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as tensions rise over the continued tenure of acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum.
Media sources suggest that efforts are underway to ensure Damagum remains in his role, not only for the remainder of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s term but also with the intention of securing his election as the substantive chairman at the party’s 2025 national convention.
Originally scheduled for November 28, the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting has now been postponed to February 2025. This decision follows a meeting of the PDP Governors Forum in Bauchi over the weekend. The delay is being positioned as a strategy to resolve ongoing internal conflicts, though some sources suggest it may also serve to consolidate Damagum’s position within the party.
The PDP appears to be divided into two main factions. One group, including certain governors and key party figures, is pushing for Damagum’s continued leadership through 2025 and beyond. On the other side, some party members advocate for a more constitutionally-driven approach, favoring the election of a “true party man” who would abide strictly by the PDP’s founding principles.
Damagum, originally the Deputy National Chairman (North), ascended to the acting chairman position following Dr. Ayu’s removal. Although the PDP constitution stipulates that Ayu’s successor should come from the North-Central zone, internal disagreements have stymied any progress on appointing a permanent replacement. Efforts to appoint a new leader from the North-Central have repeatedly faltered.
The NEC, which last met on April 18, had planned subsequent meetings for August 15, October 24, and November 28, all of which were delayed. The latest postponement, facilitated by the Governors Forum, is viewed as a strategic win for Damagum’s supporters. This delay is being interpreted as part of a broader plan to keep him in office until the party’s national convention in October 2025, where they hope to elect him as the permanent chairman.
An alternative suggestion to bring in former Senate President David Mark to complete Ayu’s term reportedly fell through, as Mark declined the offer. Close sources to Mark indicate that he is more interested in taking on a leadership role when he can have a more substantial impact on the party’s future, rather than serving a brief 10-month term.
Despite Mark’s rejection, his supporters continue to push for his candidacy, believing that his leadership could help unite and strengthen the party. In response, those backing Damagum are reportedly planning to use the NEC to push for the national chairmanship to be zoned to the North-East, thus solidifying his position.
Opponents, however, argue for the election of a leader who aligns more closely with the PDP’s constitution, one who can effectively restructure the party. Inside sources indicate that the PDP Governors Forum’s recent meeting in Bauchi heavily favored Damagum’s faction. Their strategy is clear: ensure he remains in office until the national convention and then facilitate his election for a full term as national chairman.
In a statement to the Nigerian Tribune, a party insider described the ongoing efforts to retain Damagum as a calculated move to secure his position and address the party’s internal leadership struggles, all while keeping the focus on the party’s long-term stability.
