Prior to the November 28 PDP 99 NEC meeting, there are signs that Umar Damagum will still be the party’s acting national chairman till next year.
The PUNCH learned exclusively on Tuesday that the Damagum-led National Working Committee is scheduled to meet with the 36 PDP state chairmen and the FCT chairman at the party’s headquarters, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, on Wednesday (today).
A senior figure in the PDP leadership, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, informed our correspondent that most of the chairmen have arrived in Abuja on Tuesday, suggesting that the meeting could be related to the upcoming NEC.
Since assuming the position of acting national chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal by the court, Damagum has faced growing criticism from party leaders amid the ongoing PDP crisis, with increasing calls for his resignation.
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During the 98th NEC meeting held on April 18, the party leaders agreed to decide Damagum’s future at the 99th NEC meeting.
The 99th NEC meeting, originally set for August 15, was first postponed to October 24, and later rescheduled to November 28, 2024.
The source indicated that recent developments within the party and the actions of key stakeholders point to Damagum continuing in his role until further notice.
“The NEC meeting will proceed as planned, but Damagum will continue as the party’s acting national chairman until further notice. This is because many members and key stakeholders are now less focused on replacing him for a term shorter than 10 months when they could instead have a permanent chairman who would serve a full 4-year term.
“The delay in finding a replacement has led many to lose interest in the matter. With an elective PDP convention scheduled between October and November 2025, party leaders have shifted their focus to managing Damagum despite his shortcomings until the next convention. This convention will elect a new NWC for a 4-year term and select party candidates for the 2027 elections.
“In addition to these reasons, there are ongoing legal disputes surrounding the issue. While these can potentially be navigated, some party leaders want to avoid actions that could lead to more litigation.
“Moreover, the Wike group backing Damagum has expanded its influence into the North-Central zone. As a result, the zone, led by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has not yet convened to propose a replacement for Damagum. Therefore, Damagum will remain in his acting role for now.”
The reliable source also revealed that the acting national chairman is actively engaging with stakeholders.
He continued, “As part of these engagements, a meeting is scheduled for Wednesday (today) where Damagum and members of the NWC will meet with the 36 state chairmen and the FCT.
“According to the meeting agenda, it is primarily a familiarisation session between the NWC and the newly elected state chairmen.
“However, it is likely that additional discussions will take place, where Damagum’s supporters will seek to secure the backing and commitment of the majority, if not all, of the state chairmen ahead of the NEC meeting.
“They will garner their support and prepare them for any unexpected developments. Since not all NEC members have voting rights, don’t be surprised if a vote of confidence is passed on Damagum on November 28, allowing him to continue in his acting capacity.”
Another senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, who also spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak to the media on the issue, confirmed that the notice for the 99th NEC meeting could be sent out this week.
The source also reiterated that Damagum may continue in his acting role since he is from the same northern region as Ayu.
