Atiku backs anti-Damagum NWC members

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind the plot to unseat the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum. The PUNCH learned on Sunday that Atiku reached out to members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) advocating for Damagum’s ouster.

This move to remove Damagum has divided the 13 state governors elected on the PDP platform. While seven governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, are pushing for Damagum’s removal, four others, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, support his retention. The pro-Damagum governors are allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is in conflict with the PDP Governors’ Forum.

Atiku and Wike fell apart ahead of last year’s general elections, with Wike leading five PDP governors to oppose Atiku’s presidential bid.

A senior member of the PDP NWC, who requested anonymity due to a lack of authorization to speak publicly, confirmed that the former Vice President had reached out to some of the anti-Damagum forces and other party stakeholders. The source stated, “We are not alone; important leaders in the party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have spoken with some of us.”

Since taking on the role of acting National Chairman of the PDP after the removal of Iyorchia Ayu, stakeholders have criticized Damagum for failing to implement essential reforms to revitalize the party. Tensions escalated when Damagum’s NWC transferred control of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike instead of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This action angered the PDP Governors’ Forum, which insisted that a state governor has the right to serve as the party leader in the state.

When asked what Atiku communicated to the anti-Damagum NWC members, the source stated, “I can confirm that Atiku has spoken with some of us. He assured us that we are not alone and that he supports our pursuit of justice, fairness, and equity. He encouraged us to stay motivated and continue advocating for the PDP Constitution to be followed in the NWC’s daily decisions. He understands our reasons for wanting Damagum removed and did not disagree.

“We have no personal issues with Damagum; our goal is to protect the party so that Nigerians have an alternative in future elections. Damagum should honor the party’s constitution and traditions, step back to his original role as Deputy National Chairman (North), and allow the North Central to nominate a replacement promptly.”

Another reliable source close to Atiku indicated that the former Vice President wants Damagum replaced in accordance with the PDP’s Constitution. This source said, “Atiku is collaborating with NWC members and other dedicated party leaders to ensure that the right actions are taken to uphold the party’s constitution.”

Regarding whether Atiku wants Damagum removed, the source explained, “It’s not about Damagum; the former Vice President is focused on democracy and the PDP. Atiku prefers to work discreetly to repair what has been damaged.”

All attempts to reach Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, for a response were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or reply to messages.

However, a PDP NEC member and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, has called on party leaders to set aside their differences, refrain from verbal conflicts, and direct all matters to the appropriate committees. In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Osadolor expressed confidence in the reconciliation and disciplinary committees, urging all stakeholders to let them operate diligently without distractions.

On August 21, the PDP NWC established two committees: one led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi for disciplinary matters and another led by former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola for reconciliation. The Oyinlola committee is tasked with reconciling party members and addressing various issues, while the Ikimi committee will review petitions and recommend sanctions for members who violate party rules.

Osadolor stated, “The NEC approved the establishment of reconciliation and disciplinary committees. These committees have been inaugurated and are currently working. I know that all is not well with the party, but I have faith in Ikimi’s committee and the reconciliation committee. Members with genuine issues should reach out to these committees and avoid actions that may distract them. We must refrain from public verbal attacks and allow the committees to do their work.