By Pathfinder Reporter
Monday October 14, 2024
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Thirteen governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have scheduled a meeting for today to deliberate on the leadership crisis rocking the lead opposition party.
Recall that the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) split into two factions over the call for the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum who is from the North-East Zone to reverse to his former position of National Deputy Chairman (North) to pave the way for a fresh candidate from the North Central to occupy the seat of National Chairman vacated by a candidate from the zone, by the zoning arrangement entrenched in the party’s constitution.
Damagum was appointed the Acting National Chairman after the court had removed the party’s National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu. Ayu is from the North Central.
While a faction of the NWC who want the party’s constitution to be followed suspended Damagum for alleged anti-party activities, the other faction of the NWC loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nysom Wike, and Damagum suspended the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN.
The move to remove Damagum divided the PDP governors, with the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, leading six other governors pushing for Damagum’s ouster.
With Mohammed are Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
Meanwhile, four other governors, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who are allies of Wike, are opposed to Damagum’s removal.
Others with Makinde are Governors Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.
However, two out of the 13 governors are neutral. They are Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
Sunday PUNCH reported that following the escalation of the party’s internal crisis over the weekend, the PDP governors convened an emergency meeting for today (Monday).
A high-ranking member of the PDP National Working Committee, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, said the main agenda of the governors’ meeting today is possible reconciliation of the Damagum and the factional chairman, Yayari Mohammed’s camp.
The party chieftain said at the meeting to be held by Zoom, the PDP governors will be seeking direction which direction to move over Damagum and Yayari.
He stated, “The governors will meet on Monday. In their meeting, they will review actions taken by both groups, namely the Damagum and Mohammed factions of the NWC. There will be extensive discussion about last week’s suspension. From what I have gathered, they will decide whether to uphold or cancel the suspensions from both camps, which may lead to voting among them.
“They will have to decide the fate of both factions of the NWC, as this will determine which faction will chair the October 24 NEC and will also significantly impact whether the NEC meeting will proceed. Essentially, the NWC and the NEC are the major issues that the governors will address.
“Though the governors are also divided, as you are aware, Bauchi’s governor and a few others are against Wike’s ally, Damagum. Meanwhile, Makinde, Fintiri, and Mutfwang are leading the pro-Damagum faction. Despite the division, they will engage in a heart-to-heart conversation and attempt to reach a conclusion on the genuine NWC leadership and ensure the NEC meeting is held as scheduled.”
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