Why I Take the Bullet for PDP – Damagum

Alhaji Umar Iliya Damagum, the acting national chairman of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has revealed the challenges facing the party and his role in managing its internal divisions. Despite taking over leadership after the 2023 presidential election loss, Damagum finds himself in the crosshairs of criticism for the party’s ongoing struggles.

In a recent interview, Damagum reflected on the issues plaguing the PDP. “I inherited a fragmented party full of dissatisfied members,” he explained. “My role now is to take the bullet for all of the party’s failures to ensure its unity.”

The PDP has been in turmoil since losing national power in 2015. With two unsuccessful presidential campaigns in 2019 and 2023, the party has faced leadership crises and deep divisions between key figures. The PDP’s factions—primarily those led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike—have been locked in a bitter standoff over leadership positions.

The Leadership Struggle

Damagum’s appointment followed the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu as national chairman in the aftermath of the 2023 elections. Despite Ayu’s exit, the PDP has not been able to elect a substantive chairman, and Damagum remains in an acting capacity. The situation is further complicated by growing demands from the party’s North-Central bloc, which insists that the chairmanship should return to their region. Ayu, from Benue State in the North-Central zone, was replaced by Damagum, a Northerner, which has sparked discontent.

Atiku’s camp reportedly supports a new chairman from the North-Central zone, while Wike’s faction supports Damagum continuing in the role. This internal divide threatens to weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, where PDP hopes to make a comeback.

The Party’s Factionalism

The PDP’s internal crisis is not new. Following the party’s 2015 loss, several leadership disputes have rocked the party. Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, who led the PDP during its 2015 defeat, resigned shortly after the loss, opening the floodgates to further power struggles. Since then, the party has cycled through numerous leaders, including Uche Secondus and Iyorchia Ayu, and faced legal battles over leadership.

The 2023 presidential primaries exacerbated the divisions, especially after Atiku emerged as the party’s flagbearer, sidelining Wike, who was a key contender. This decision led to a prolonged standoff, with Wike demanding Ayu’s resignation, a move that was viewed as a blow to the party’s stability.

The rivalry between Atiku and Wike also created an opening for a third faction, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is rumored to have his eyes on a potential presidential bid in 2027.

Why Members Are Not Disciplined

One of the primary criticisms leveled at the PDP under Damagum’s leadership is its failure to discipline rebellious members. In contrast to its past, when the party swiftly sanctioned members for disloyalty, many of its high-ranking leaders, including governors and ex-presidents, have openly defied party directives without consequences. The infamous G-5 governors, led by Wike, have openly worked against the PDP’s interests in the 2023 elections, yet remain influential within the party. Wike’s recent appointment as a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s administration has only worsened the rift within the PDP.

Despite these challenges, Damagum emphasized that the party is working to resolve the crisis. The PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) recently established reconciliation and disciplinary committees. Headed by former foreign minister Chief Tom Ikimi, the disciplinary committee is tasked with addressing cases of anti-party activities.

Hope for the Future?

Despite these hurdles, there remains optimism within the PDP. Insiders claim that, beneath the surface, the party is far from dead. The PDP’s strong nationwide structures and the interest shown in its 2027 presidential ticket are viewed as signs of vitality. Atiku Abubakar is expected to make another run for the presidency, while Bala Mohammed is said to be another potential contender. Party sources are also hopeful that Goodluck Jonathan, the former president, could be persuaded to return and run again on the PDP platform.

Amid these hopeful signs, the PDP continues to function at the grassroots level, holding National Working Committee and NEC meetings, as well as organizing state congresses in 24 states. For Damagum, maintaining unity within the party is key to its resurgence.