As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on November 28, signs point to Umar Damagum remaining in his role as acting National Chairman until next year.
Sources within the party revealed that the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) is set to meet with the 36 state PDP chairmen and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chairman at the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja. This meeting is believed to be linked to preparations for the crucial NEC session.
Damagum, who assumed the acting chairmanship following Senator Iyorchia Ayu's removal by court order, has faced significant criticism over his handling of party disputes. His leadership has been called into question, particularly in light of the ongoing rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The PDP’s 98th NEC meeting in April had resolved to review Damagum’s leadership at the next session. However, repeated postponements—from August 15 to October 24 and now November 28—have delayed any decision on his future. Critics argue that Damagum’s perceived indecisiveness has exacerbated the party’s internal crises, with some demanding his resignation.
Despite the criticisms, party stakeholders seem increasingly inclined to allow Damagum to remain in his role until the next elective convention, slated for October or November 2025. A senior party official stated, “The NEC meeting will proceed as planned, but Damagum will continue as acting chairman. There’s little interest in appointing a replacement for a term of less than a year when a permanent chairman could be elected at the convention for a full four-year term.”
Legal disputes surrounding the leadership position also factor into the party’s decision. Initiating a change could lead to further litigation, which many stakeholders are eager to avoid. Moreover, the faction led by Wike, which supports Damagum, has strengthened its influence, particularly in the North-Central zone, making it difficult to propose an alternative candidate.
In preparation for the NEC meeting, Damagum has been engaging with party stakeholders to consolidate support. A meeting with state chairmen is scheduled to discuss the NEC agenda and rally backing for his continued leadership. Although this meeting is officially billed as a familiarization session with newly elected state chairmen, insiders suggest it will also serve as a platform to secure their commitment ahead of the NEC gathering.
Opinions remain divided over Damagum’s leadership. Former National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan has blamed the party’s losses in recent governorship elections in Edo and Ondo on Damagum’s inability to manage internal affairs effectively. “The party’s preparation for these elections under Damagum was inadequate, and it cost us dearly,” Ologbondiyan remarked.
Conversely, Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor defended Damagum, attributing the losses to federal interference. “Blaming Damagum for Edo and Ondo is unfair. Federal might was heavily deployed by the APC-led government in these elections,” he argued. Osadolor also pointed out that ongoing legal injunctions prevent the NEC from addressing Damagum’s replacement, making his continued tenure almost inevitable.
With the NEC meeting approaching, the party faces significant internal tensions. While Damagum’s leadership has its critics, the lack of consensus on a replacement and legal constraints appear to solidify his position, at least for now.
