The acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun, has successfully held onto his position amidst attempts to remove him.
This is as the National Caucus of the PDP, in its meeting on Wednesday evening, extended his stay, News About Nigeria reports.
The Caucus sets the agenda for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for Thursday (today).
After the meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba announced that Damagun would continue as acting national chairman until further consultations were made after today’s NEC session.
He stated, “At the meeting, the national caucus deliberated on the forthcoming local government, ward, and state congresses, scheduled for between June and August 2024. The Caucus endorsed the NWC’s reconstitution of the party’s disciplinary and reconciliation committees. These are standing committees tasked with addressing internal party matters.
“Fourthly, the caucus extended the tenure of the party’s Constitution Review Committee to incorporate new suggestions for amending the party’s constitution.
“Additionally, the caucus also discussed various methods of fundraising for the party, including membership drives, investment initiatives, and other matters that the NWC will address and subsequently present to the NEC for approval.”
On Damagun, he said, “The caucus did not deliberate on this matter because there are numerous complexities regarding leadership at this time.
“Therefore, this matter was deferred to the upcoming NEC meeting. The issues presented by the NWC were discussed by the caucus. Umar Damagun 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 governed by our constitution.”
Damagun, who was previously the PDP National Deputy Chairman (North), stepped into the role of acting National Chairman following a court decision to suspend the former chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
This came after a request from a PDP member, Terhide Utaan. A vote of no confidence was previously passed on Ayu by his ward executives.
There have been recent calls from 60 House of Representatives members for Damagun’s removal and the appointment of a new chairman from the North Central region.
However, support for Damagun remains divided within the party.
This was heightened on Tuesday when the PDP Caucus in the House of Representatives, in a meeting, clashed over Damagun’s leadership. The caucus also failed to endorse Damagun.
However, the National Working Committee of the PDP gave full support for Damagun. Following that, the North Central Zone of the party decided unanimously to nominate the next national chairman following Ayu’s removal.
