There have been recent events inside the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and it appears that the governors of the party are divided on the subject of whether or not to keep the Acting National Chairman, Illya Damagum, in his position or to remove him from his position.
On the one hand, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has expressed his desire to remove Damagum from his position, suggesting that his tenure is no longer possible.
On the other side, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has placed his complete support behind Damagum, highlighting his commitment to the leadership ability of the acting chairman.
According to Governor Mohammed, it is required by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) constitution that a candidate from the area where the party originated fill any leadership vacancies. This was discussed during a meeting that took place in Bauchi with some members of the NWC.
Mohammed is adamant that the North Central region should take over the current leadership position, which Damagum, who is originally from the Northeast country, currently holds.
Furthermore, Mohammed recalled previous occasions in which leadership transitions adhered to this approach. One example of this is the nomination of Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, a former governor of Bauchi State, following the resignation of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur for the position of governor.
While reading the communiqué that was issued during his meeting with a segment of the NWC, he made the following statement: “My brother from the Northeast is currently serving as Acting National Chairman, which is constitutionally inappropriate.”
Each leadership position that becomes available must be filled in accordance with the party’s constitution by a native of the area from which it originated.
The Northcentral team has been really excited about this chance, and we have had a conversation about this matter.
It is our firm intention to collaborate with the National Working Committee and the party in order to guarantee that the Northcentral will be given the opportunity to take on this responsibility.
In contrast, Governor Makinde, who was in Ibadan at the time and was hosting Damagum and other PDP officials, revealed his unshakeable support for Damagum and stated that he is backing the acting chairman with one hundred percent of his support.
Instead of focussing on internal problems, Makinde advised the party to concentrate on the impending elections. He also emphasised the significance of maintaining unity inside the party at this critical time period.
I am also pleased to see that our Acting National Chairman and members of his National Working Committee are present,” the governor of Oyo stated.
It was yesterday (Tuesday) when I came across a report that certain members of the NWC had attended yet another meeting in Bauchi.
“I would like to make it abundantly clear that I have been speaking with my brother, and I would like to let you know that we are completely in support of the NWC under Damagum’s leadership.
No matter what choice you make, we will be here to back you in your efforts to reposition our party.
Permit me to also mention this: I do not believe that today is the appropriate time… There is a significant election that will take place on Saturday, even if we are dealing with problems within ourselves.
“Therefore, we ought to all just come together and support our candidate.”
In the midst of these political differences, Makinde also confirmed his support for Asue Ighodalo, the candidate for governorship of Edo State on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He did this in response to rumours that he had missed an event for the campaign.
He noted that he was unable to attend due to prior engagements in Finland and Sweden, but he emphasised that he is completely in support of Ighodalo’s endeavour to become the candidate.