Four PDP govs back Wike’s loyalist, Damagum as party chairman (See list)

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shows no signs of easing, as efforts to unseat the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, continue to fuel divisions among the PDP Governors’ Forum.

According to a senior PDP official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Damagum enjoys the backing of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and at least four party governors.

These governors are identified as Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.

The source further disclosed that while the governors of Enugu and Zamfara, Peter Mbah and Dauda Lawal, respectively, remain neutral, seven other PDP governors are actively pushing for Damagum’s removal.

Leading the anti-Damagum faction is Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. Other governors in this camp include Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom.

The insider revealed, “Governor Makinde is among four governors who are close to Wike and firmly support Damagum’s continued role as acting chairman.”

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Since assuming leadership after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court-ordered removal, Damagum has faced mounting criticism from party leaders for his handling of the PDP crisis. The situation worsened when Damagum aligned with Wike to postpone the National Executive Committee meeting, initially scheduled for September 26, to October 24, while endorsing the Rivers State PDP Congresses.

Tensions between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara peaked on August 24, as a faction of PDP governors publicly backed Fubara, calling for a review of the state’s congresses and reaffirming his leadership. Wike, in response, issued a warning on August 31, vowing to intervene in the affairs of other governors’ states if they interfered in Rivers State politics. This prompted a strong rebuke from the PDP Governors’ Forum, labeling Wike’s threat as irresponsible.

Despite these tensions, Governor Makinde reassured Damagum of his support, emphasizing the unity of his faction. “We stand 100 percent behind the Damagum-led National Working Committee,” Makinde stated during a meeting in Oyo State.

Meanwhile, Adamawa State Governor Fintiri, a vocal supporter of Damagum, publicly expressed his backing on Thursday. “We are fully committed to Amb. Umar Damagum’s leadership,” Fintiri declared via social media, asserting that the North-East PDP caucus remains united in support of Damagum.

In contrast, Osun State Governor Adeleke has called for adherence to the PDP Constitution, which mandates that any replacement for the National Chairman must come from the same zone as the outgoing chairperson. With Ayu being from North Central, Adeleke argues that Damagum’s successor should also hail from that region.

The ongoing leadership struggle has drawn in the PDP’s Board of Trustees, led by its Chairman, Adolphus Wabara. In recent meetings with both PDP governors and the party’s National Assembly caucus, the BoT has sought to mediate and propose solutions to the internal disputes.

As the situation continues to unfold, the future of the party’s leadership remains uncertain, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.

Four PDP govs back Wike’s loyalist, Damagum as party chairman (See list)

(PUNCH)

Nine political parties merge with APC ahead of Edo gov election

Ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 governorship election in Edo State, nine political parties have announced their merger with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decision, revealed by Chief Sam Arase, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), marks a significant political shift in the state.

The political parties involved in this coalition include the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Peoples Party (APP), Accord (A), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Action Alliance (AA), and the National Rescue Movement (NRM).

Chief Arase, speaking on behalf of the Assembly of Registered Political Parties in Edo, highlighted their collective endorsement of APC’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

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“We believe Senator Monday Okpebholo is the best choice for Edo State,” Arase said, adding that they are confident of his victory in the forthcoming election.

The coalition also called for a peaceful and violence-free election, urging the people of Edo State to vote in large numbers for the APC candidate.

The merger of these parties strengthens Okpebholo’s chances as the state heads to the polls on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

This unification under the APC banner is seen as a strategic move to consolidate political strength and ensure a competitive edge for the party in the governorship race.

Nine political parties merge with APC ahead of Edo gov election

BREAKING: PDP BoT, national assembly caucus hold closed-door meeting amid party crisis

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to address internal turmoil as members of its Board of Trustees (BoT) meet with the party’s National Assembly caucus behind closed doors.

The meeting, which took place at the PDP office, Legacy House in Abuja, comes amid growing concerns over the state of the party since the lead-up to the 2023 elections.

The PDP has been embroiled in internal conflicts, with several party stakeholders voicing frustration over the failure of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to introduce significant reforms.

Tensions escalated further after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, openly criticized Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, and the PDP Governors Forum concerning the party’s leadership structure.

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According to reports, the PDP BoT, led by Chairman Adolphus Nwabara and Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, had earlier held a private meeting with Wike in Abuja on Tuesday.

The following day, the BoT also met with Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed, in an effort to resolve the party’s ongoing challenges.

The current meeting is seen as an attempt by the BoT to gauge the perspective of the PDP National Assembly caucus regarding the party’s issues.

In attendance are key figures such as Senate Deputy Minority Leader Lere Oyewumi, House of Representatives Minority Whip Hon. Ali Isa JC, and Hon. Pastor Ojema Ojotu.

The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, but it is expected that the BoT will propose recommendations aimed at steering the party back on course.

BREAKING: PDP BoT, national assembly caucus hold closed-door meeting amid party crisis