Damagum Gains Support from Four Governors as PDP Leadership Conflict Intensifies

The ongoing crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has escalated as internal divisions deepen over the leadership of its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. Despite increasing calls for his removal, Damagum continues to receive support from key figures within the party, including four governors aligned with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

A senior PDP National Working Committee (NWC) member, who requested anonymity, revealed that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas have thrown their weight behind Damagum, solidifying Wike’s influence within the party. This coalition stands in contrast to efforts led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, who is spearheading a campaign to unseat Damagum.

Governors opposed to Damagum’s leadership include Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State. Meanwhile, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal have remained neutral in the dispute.

Tensions within the party intensified following Damagum’s decision, with Wike’s backing, to approve the controversial PDP congresses in Rivers State, further delaying a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to October 24. This move has exacerbated existing conflicts, particularly between Wike and Rivers State Governor Fubara, as PDP governors demand a review of the congresses and reaffirm Fubara’s leadership in the state.

The situation took a dramatic turn on August 31 when Wike issued a public threat to disrupt governance in PDP-controlled states if interference in Rivers continued, a statement swiftly condemned by Governor Mohammed and the PDP Governors’ Forum. Despite this, Wike stood firm, with his allies reiterating their support for Damagum’s leadership.

In a show of loyalty, Governor Makinde publicly endorsed Damagum on Wednesday, stating, “We are 100 percent in support of the Damagum-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will back you to reposition the party.”

Adamawa Governor Fintiri also voiced his support on social media, praising Damagum for restoring public confidence in the party and urging him to complete the remaining tenure of former Chairman Iyorchia Ayu, as per a court order. Fintiri emphasized that the North-East caucus of the PDP, representing Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states, fully supports Damagum’s leadership.

On the opposing side, Osun State Governor Adeleke maintained his stance that any replacement for the National Chairman must come from the North Central region, per the PDP Constitution. Adeleke called for strict adherence to the party’s founding principles during this crucial period.

Amid the growing tensions, the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Chairman Adolphus Wabara, has held a series of closed-door meetings with party stakeholders, including the PDP caucus in the National Assembly and FCT Minister Wike, as efforts to resolve the leadership crisis continue.