PDP Convention: Damagum moved to Deputy National Chairman (North) as party ratifies congresses

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party aligned with Nyesom Wike has restructured its national leadership, moving Umar Damagum from national chairman to deputy national chairman (North).

The decision was taken on Sunday at the party’s 2026 national convention held in Abuja.

The motion was presented by former House of Representatives member Tajudeen Yusuf and seconded by party figure Bello Bichi. Yusuf referenced earlier party decisions, noting that Damagum had emerged as national chairman following a 2025 National Executive Committee resolution.

Delegates also ratified ward, local government, and state congresses conducted across several states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kwara, Kogi, Ogun, Osun, Nasarawa, Niger, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory.

The convention also endorsed zonal congresses in the North-East, South-South, and North-Central regions. The motion received support from senators and delegates, including Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, and was seconded by Zainab Baku.

In another decision, delegates approved the dissolution of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Working Committee, clearing the way for a new national executive.

Amid the leadership changes, the party’s national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, said he remains in possession of the party’s original certificate and described it as evidence of continuity within the organisation.

Anyanwu also pointed to internal disputes that have shaped the party’s recent history, noting financial obligations and legal constraints faced by the organisation. He urged stakeholders to maintain unity and strengthen internal cohesion.

The Peoples Democratic Party has continued to manage competing claims to authority within its structure as it moves through ongoing internal realignments.