Ahead of the 98th National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, the National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party has passed a vote of confidence on the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, amidst calls for his removal.
The upcoming NEC meeting is poised to tackle whether Damagum should maintain his position or be replaced.
Damagum, previously serving as the PDP National Deputy Chairman (North), assumed the role of acting National Chairman after the court suspended the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, in March of last year.
The court’s action stemmed from a request filed by PDP member Terhide Utaan, based on an earlier vote of no confidence passed against Ayu by his ward executives in Igyorov ward, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
Recently, 60 members of the House of Representatives demanded Damagum’s departure, advocating for the appointment of a substantive chairman from the North Central region.
However, shortly after this announcement, the House minority caucus, under the leadership of Kingsley Chinda, disassociated from the group, labelling it an unrecognized entity within the parliament.
The Tuesday gathering of the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives concluded in turmoil, as lawmakers were starkly divided between those advocating for Damagun’s support and those opposing his continued tenure.
Meanwhile, the primary objective of the Pre-NEC meeting, aimed at endorsing Damagun with a vote of confidence by lawmakers aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, encountered obstacles and did not proceed as planned.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Wednesday, the PDP NWC praised the dedication and endeavours of the Acting National Chairman in stabilizing and revitalizing the PDP as Nigeria’s primary opposition party.
The statement read in part, “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has passed a Vote of Confidence on the Party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum.
“The decision of the NWC, which came at the end of its 584th meeting at the Party’s National Secretariat on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, commends the efforts and commitment of the Acting National Chairman to stabilize and reposition the PDP as the main opposition Party in Nigeria.
“The Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja presided over the motion for vote of confidence on the Acting National Chairman which was moved by the National Vice Chairman (South East) Chief Ali Odefa and seconded by the National Treasurer, Hon. Yayari Mohammed.
“The PDP NWC reaffirms its dedication to ensuring the ongoing stability, expansion, and prosperity of our esteemed party.”
