BARRING any last-minute changes, this newspaper gathered that the Peoples Democratic Party will postpone its National Executive Committee meeting originally scheduled for October 24 to allow governors agree on political solutions to facilitate the exit of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.
Multiple high-ranking members of the PDP NWC, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, stated that the NEC meeting would be delayed as governors sought to alleviate recent factional tensions and buy time to address issues hindering Damagum’s removal while also gathering resources for his compensation.
Recall that since assuming the role of acting National Chairman after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court removal, Damagum has faced increasing criticisms from party leaders amid the ongoing crisis in the PDP, prompting calls for his resignation.
His indecisiveness has further escalated tensions in Rivers State, particularly between Governor Siminalaye Fubara and his predecessor now Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a surprise development on Friday, Damagum’s faction of the NWC announced the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) for alleged insubordination and actions detrimental to the party.
Shortly after, Ologunagba countered by stating that the NWC had suspended Damagum and National Secretary Sen. Samuel Anyanwu for disloyalty, appointing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the acting National Chairman.
However, on Tuesday, PDP Governors Forum chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, declared that the internal conflicts had been resolved, suspensions lifted, adding that the NWC had revert to the status quo under Damagum.
The PUNCH learnt that the Bauchi governor met with Mohammed, Ologunagba, and Ajibade on Tuesday, urging them to put aside their differences with other members of the NWC and prioritise peace by following their directives.
One of the sources also noted that all the governors agreed to pursue political solutions to facilitate Damagum’s exit.
The source stated, “The governors were very angry about the factional crisis, feeling that the discord further portrayed the PDP in a negative light. With different governors backing separate factions, they opted for political solutions.
“They directed that all suspensions be lifted while seeking urgent political solutions, including financial compensation and a possible PDP ticket for any elective position in Borno to ease Damagum’s departure from the party.
“As it stands, the NEC meeting scheduled for October 24 will be postponed because the governors want to reduce tensions. It’s clear that going into a NEC meeting under these circumstances would not end well, so they will delay it to resolve all issues delaying Damagum’s removal.
“Once they address all legal matters through political means, they will then compensate Damagum to facilitate his resignation and allow for the nomination of a substantive National Chairman from the North Central, subject to NEC approval.
“When they clarify matters with all stakeholders, accommodate critical interests, and resolve the Damagum issue politically, they will then summon the NEC. The new date will be announced once their plans are finalised.”
On the new date for the NEC, our source replied, “No one can say when it will be. The meetings scheduled for the next few days will determine that.”
He added “The encouraging news is that almost all PDP governors have agreed to use political means to compensate Damagum and facilitate his departure from the PDP. In fact, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has promised to convene a North Central Zonal Executive Committee meeting to propose an acceptable name ahead of the new NEC date.
“They also agreed that in addition to the North Central nominating Damagum’s replacement, the nominee must be acceptable to party leaders in the North and all PDP governors. If consensus cannot be reached, NEC members may have to vote on that day.”
Meanwhile, a member of Wike’s camp confirmed that the FCT Minister is dissatisfied with the governors’ resolution to revert the NWC to status quo under Damagum.
The source, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, told The PUNCH, “The minister is not pleased with the decision to restore the suspended NWC members. It’s well known that they have been undermining Wike’s interests, and he wanted them out of the party. Wike is backing Damagum and will continue to do so.”
On his part, Atiku’s 2019 presidential campaign spokesperson, Umar Sani, clarified that Damagum didn’t not have to leave the party but should return to his original position as Deputy National Chairman (North).
Sani stated in an exclusive interview with this newspaper on Wednesday that this aligned with the party’s constitution.