Atiku Abubakar Supports Movement to Unseat PDP Acting Chairman

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly thrown his weight behind the ongoing efforts to remove Umar Damagum from his position as the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to sources within the party, Atiku Abubakar has been in contact with several members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) who are advocating for Damagum’s ouster.

This development adds a new dimension to the internal strife plaguing Nigeria’s main opposition party. Atiku Abubakar’s involvement suggests a growing consensus among key party figures that a change in leadership is necessary to address the party’s current challenges and prepare for future electoral contests.

Governors Split on Damagum’s Fate

The move to remove Damagum has created a clear divide among the 13 state governors elected under the PDP banner. Seven governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, are pushing for Damagum’s removal, while four others, spearheaded by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, support his retention as acting chairman.

This split reflects deeper factional rifts within the party, particularly between allies of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and those aligned with the PDP Governors’ Forum. The division stems from long-standing conflicts that emerged during the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, when Wike led a group of five PDP governors in opposition to Atiku Abubakar s presidential bid.

Atiku Abubakar ‘s Discreet Intervention in Party Affairs

A senior member of the PDP NWC, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Atiku has been reaching out to anti-Damagum forces and other party stakeholders. The former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reportedly assured these members of his support in their pursuit of “justice, fairness, and equity” within the party.

Sources close to Atiku Abubakar indicate that his primary concern is upholding the PDP’s constitution and traditions. While he appears to favor Damagum’s replacement, Atiku Abubakar is said to be working behind the scenes to address the party’s internal issues. His discreet approach underscores the delicate nature of the situation and the need for careful maneuvering to avoid further fragmentation within the party.

Calls for Unity and Proper Dispute Resolution

As tensions continue to simmer, some party members are advocating for a more measured approach to resolving the PDP’s internal conflicts. Timothy Osadolor, a PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) member and Deputy National Youth Leader, has called on party leaders to set aside their differences and refrain from public verbal attacks.

Osadolor emphasized the importance of utilizing the recently established reconciliation and disciplinary committees to address grievances and restore unity within the party. These committees, led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi and former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, have been tasked with reviewing petitions, recommending sanctions for rule violations, and facilitating reconciliation among party members. By channeling disputes through these official mechanisms, the PDP hopes to maintain a semblance of order and work towards resolving its internal challenges in a structured manner.

Path Forward: Committees and Reconciliation

In response to escalating tensions, the PDP NWC has established two pivotal committees: one led by Tom Ikimi for disciplinary actions and another headed by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola for reconciliation efforts. These committees are tasked with addressing grievances and promoting intra-party harmony, providing a structured framework to resolve disputes and reinforce party cohesion amidst external challenges, this moves tend to rejig the party and makes formidable to challenges the incumbent APC party in the next 2027 general election and also arrest the downward trend performance of PDP