Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed support for the move to remove the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum. Sources confirmed on Sunday that Atiku has been in contact with members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), advocating for Damagum’s ouster.
The push to unseat Damagum has caused a rift among the 13 PDP governors. Seven governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, are in favor of his removal, while four, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, support Damagum’s continued leadership. The pro-Damagum faction is closely allied with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has been at odds with the PDP Governors’ Forum since last year.
Atiku and Wike have been on opposing sides since the 2023 general elections, when Wike led five governors to challenge Atiku’s presidential campaign.
A senior member of the PDP NWC, who spoke anonymously, confirmed Atiku’s involvement, stating, “Atiku has reached out to us, expressing his support for the removal of Damagum. He believes in justice, fairness, and adherence to the PDP Constitution.”
The dissatisfaction with Damagum stems from his perceived failure to implement necessary reforms since assuming the role of acting chairman after the removal of Iyorchia Ayu. Tensions escalated when Damagum’s NWC transferred control of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike instead of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a move that angered several governors within the party.
“Atiku’s concern is not personal,” the source continued. “He is focused on safeguarding the PDP and ensuring that the party operates in line with its constitution.”
Efforts to reach Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, for a comment were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) member Timothy Osadolor has urged party members to resolve their differences through the appropriate channels. He called for unity and expressed confidence in the party’s newly-formed reconciliation and disciplinary committees, which are working to address internal disputes and rebuild party cohesion.
Osadolor remarked, “We must refrain from public attacks and allow these committees to do their work in restoring peace within the party.”
