PDP North East Endorses Damagum as National Chairman

In a significant development for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the North East Zone has officially endorsed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum as the National Chairman of the party. This endorsement comes amidst ongoing internal party reshuffling and legal battles, with the leadership of five states—Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe—firmly backing Damagum. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, speaking on behalf of these states, expressed his confidence in Damagum’s leadership, emphasizing that he should complete the tenure left by former Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, pending a final court ruling.

Fintiri praised Damagum for his leadership since stepping into the role, asserting that his ability to restore public confidence in the party was key to PDP’s unity moving forward. He also noted the importance of respecting the Federal High Court in Abuja’s restraining order, which has prevented any attempts to replace Damagum as the Acting National Chairman.

Fintiri Highlights North East’s Political Influence

Governor Fintiri further emphasized the political importance of the North East region within the PDP. During his statement, he reflected on the unprecedented performance of the party in the 2023 elections, where the region’s contribution was particularly noteworthy. According to him, the North East played a significant role in bolstering the party’s prospects at all levels, reinforcing the argument that the zone deserves to maintain the position of National Chairman more than any other section in the North.

Fintiri’s remarks underline the strategic importance of the North East for the PDP’s future, particularly as the party positions itself for the 2027 general elections. By endorsing Damagum, the North East faction of the party signals a desire for greater influence and leadership within the PDP at the national level, further solidifying its presence and ensuring the continuation of regional representation at the top echelons of party leadership.

Court Order Supports Damagum’s Leadership Amid Power Struggles

The PDP’s leadership has been a topic of intense legal scrutiny, with a Federal High Court in Abuja issuing a restraining order to prevent the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Executive Committee (NEC), and even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from replacing, nominating, or appointing a new Chairman. This court order effectively cements Damagum’s position, barring any internal efforts to oust him.

This legal development has profound implications for the PDP, as the restraining order is set against the backdrop of a larger struggle for the soul of the party. With Damagum at the helm, the PDP’s leadership question remains temporarily settled, but the move has sparked debate on the party’s ability to maintain unity as it prepares for future elections. The court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of legal intervention in the party’s internal affairs, particularly in determining leadership legitimacy.

Social Media Reactions Stir Debate on Atiku’s Influence on PDP

As expected, the endorsement of Damagum has triggered widespread reactions across social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly known as Twitter). Many commentators have linked this development to the larger political battle within the PDP, with some questioning the influence of key party figures like Atiku Abubakar. A prominent X handle, @ReliableReporters, expressed skepticism over Atiku’s leadership abilities, stating, “So Atiku can’t even manage his own state PDP, yet he thinks he can lead Nigeria? Well, Wike has now shown them the true game of politics. You can’t expect to lead a nation if you can’t even keep your own state in check.”

Conversely, other commentators have defended Atiku’s political standing. The handle @Sunkky argued, “You look at it another way, it may even be better Atiku plays along with Governor Fintiri. This resurgence and showing such confidence in the politics of the North East like this, regardless of any grudges Atiku may have with him!”

The conversation around Damagum’s endorsement reflects the ongoing internal power dynamics in the PDP as it prepares for the next election cycle. With significant public discourse and political maneuvering at play, the party faces the challenge of re-organizing itself and consolidating its base ahead of the 2027 elections.