Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pitched a tent with the majority of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and NWC members plotting to remove the acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum.
Seven of the 13 PDP governors led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed want Damagum removed while five others led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, are in support of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike who is behind Damagum
The numerical strength of the PDP governors who are against Damagum has provided an ample opportunity to Atiku to take a pound of flesh from Wike with whom he fell apart ahead of last year’s general elections, with Wike leading five PDP governors to oppose Atiku’s presidential bid.
Competent sources in the PDP National Working Committee revealed that Atiku has begun to liaise with the Governor Mohammed group and some members of the NWC advocating for Damagum’s ouster.
The source stated further that “we are not alone; important leaders in the party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have spoken with some of us.”
Damagum, who took over fell out of favour with PDP stakeholders as he has refused to carry out essential programmes to revive the party. The situation got worse when under Damagum, the NWC appointed Wike instead of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the Party in Rivers State.
According to the source, “He (Atiku) 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.”
Atiku is reported to be pushing for the removal of Damagum, but through the PDP constitution, said another NWC insider who added that “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.”
This other source said “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.
