Following the drama that erupted during a meeting that was organized by the National Working Committee of the PDP, it was reported that on Tuesday (yesterday), it became clear that Ambassador Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been given a chance to step down from his role next week.
According to reports from Daily Trust, it was reported that the party’s governors made this decision during a meeting that was held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Sources familiar with the discussions at the Akure meeting and a virtual meeting held on Monday said the governors were concerned about the party’s internal split and wanted to resolve it to keep the party united.
During the Akure meeting, which took place before the official launch of the PDP governorship campaign in Ondo State, the governors agreed to let Damagum continue as acting national chairman until the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 24.
Information made it known that Governor Mutfwang, alongside governors Makinde, Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), is believed to have initially opposed Damagum’s removal. This quartet is thought to be allied with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom Damagum has allegedly been supporting.
However, it was gathered that Makinde, believed to be the leader of the quartet, proposed at the virtual meeting of Monday that even if Damagum were to leave, he should be given a soft landing. Consequently, the meeting was postponed to yesterday to include Damagum.
Daily Trust further gathered that at yesterday’s meeting, the governors agreed that while Damagum continues as acting chairman for the next few days, the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would be used to ratify the North-Central’s nomination for the position. The NEC meeting will also discuss potential dates for a national convention.