Atiku supports anti-Damagum NWC members amid crisis in PDP

Following the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday backed National Working Committee members hatching a plot to unseat the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum. 

Atiku had on Sunday reached out to members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) seeking Damagum’s dethronement.

The plot to remove Damagum has caused a division in the party among about 13 state governors elected on the PDP platform.

While seven governors led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed are demanding Damagum’s removal, four others, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, have drummed support for 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.

It was gathered that a member of the PDP NWC, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that the former Vice President had actually reached out to the anti-Damagum forces and other party stakeholders.

The source noted,  “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, Damagum has faced one criticism or the other with relevant stakeholders of the party indicting him for failing to implement reforms to revamp the party.

Tensions mounted in the party 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 had 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 honour 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 source hinted that Atiku wanted Damagum's replacement in accordance with the PDP’s Constitution.

The 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 wanted 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 confirmation, proved abortive as he didn't take his calls.

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.