The acting national chair of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has survived attempts to remove him from office at least for now.
Briefing journalists after the PDP national caucus meeting early Thursday morning, Debo Ologunagba, the party’s spokesperson, said the issue of whether Damagum should remain or be removed from office has been deferred.
He said Damagum will continue as acting national chair of the party till the next national executive committee (NEC) meeting.
The party’s constitution mandates that NEC meetings be convened once in three months.
“The caucus did not deliberate on this matter because there are numerous complexities regarding leadership at this time,” he said when asked about the caucus decision on Damagum.
“Therefore, this matter was deferred to the upcoming NEC meeting. The issues presented by the NWC were discussed by the caucus. Umar Damagum will remain the acting national chairman of the party until the subsequent NEC meeting following tomorrow’s (today’s) session.
“The party has recognised the importance of conducting further consultations on that matter. Our priority is maintaining party unity, as we navigate through these issues without causing division.
“We are committed to following our constitution and any succession plan that aligns with our current circumstances, including ongoing court processes. Our aim is to take actions that promote unity and are by our constitution.”
The resolution of the national caucus is subject to the ratification of NEC.
The NEC meeting is scheduled to hold Thursday.
The PDP national caucus is a vital organ of the party. Members usually meet a day before the NEC meeting.
Majority of decisions made at the NEC meeting are typically deliberated upon during the national caucus gathering.
There have been calls from different quarters for Damagum to step down as the PDP acting chairman.
Damagum became acting chairman following the suspension of Iyorchia Ayu in March 2023.
Those demanding Damagum’s resignation based their argument on the need for someone from the north-central to take over and complete Ayu’s tenure. Ayu hails from Benue state.
On Tuesday, the national working committee (NWC) of the PDP passed a vote of confidence in Damagum, amid calls for him to step aside.
