Leading up to the 99th National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, the North Central leadership has initiated the search for a replacement for the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
The North Central caucus stressed the importance of the October 24 NEC meeting for the party’s future trajectory amidst internal discord following the 2023 general elections.
Criticism has been directed at Damagum for his perceived failure to enact reforms, attributing the party’s challenges to his leadership.
Tensions escalated when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, publicly criticized Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the PDP Governors’ Forum over structural issues within the party.
As a result, the party’s standing and sway have been compromised due to the ongoing internal strife.
Consequently, stakeholders from the North Central region are advocating for Damagum’s replacement in accordance with Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution, which outlines the procedure for filling vacancies in party offices.
An anonymous high-ranking NEC member from the North Central region disclosed that the zone had initiated the search for a replacement, with plans to unveil the candidate at the upcoming NEC meeting on October 24.
The source revealed that the North Central caucus had met in Abuja and agreed on presenting a single nominee for endorsement at the 99th NEC meeting.
Emphasizing the significance of the upcoming NEC meeting, the source indicated ongoing consultations within the zone to select the most competent candidate for the role.
Former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, cautioned against any further delays in the NEC meeting, stressing its pivotal role in determining Damagum’s successor.
Additionally, National Chairman aspirant, Conrad Utaan, shared insights from his interview with the North Central Caucus, expressing optimism about the selection process and the submission of a nominee at the forthcoming meeting.
Efforts to obtain comments from Damagum and the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful at the time of reaching out.