Ambassador Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is reportedly considering stepping down next week as the party leadership works to resolve internal divisions. This move follows a critical two-day meeting in Akure, Ondo State, where PDP governors and officials convened to stabilize the party ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24.
Prominent attendees included Damagum, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, and key governors such as Bauchi’s Bala Mohammed, Oyo’s Seyi Makinde, and Osun’s Ademola Adeleke. Discussions revolved around offering Damagum a “soft landing,” allowing him to hold his position until the NEC meeting, after which a North-Central nominee for the chairmanship could be finalized.
A party governor expressed concern over the growing factionalism, emphasizing the threat it poses to the PDP’s 2024 goals. Governor Ademola Adeleke also voiced anxieties about how the internal crisis could impact his re-election campaign in 2026.
The NEC meeting is expected to ratify a new chairperson and may announce a national convention to address the party’s enduring issues.