Politics

See when North Central PDP Caucus is to Announce National Chairman, Damagum’s Successor

Published by Fakinlede Tope John on October 10th, 2024.

See when North Central PDP Caucus is to Announce National Chairman, Damagum’s Successor

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the North Central leadership is actively seeking a replacement for acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.

The upcoming NEC meeting, scheduled for October 24, is viewed as pivotal for the party’s direction, especially in light of the internal challenges it has faced since the 2023 elections. Members have criticized Damagum for his inability to implement necessary reforms, attributing several of the party’s current difficulties to his leadership. Tensions have also escalated due to public criticisms from Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike towards Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the PDP Governors’ Forum.

In response to these issues, North Central stakeholders are advocating for Damagum’s replacement, as outlined in Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution, which mandates the Executive Committee to appoint a new officer from the same region when a vacancy arises.

A senior member of the NEC from North Central revealed that discussions have already begun, with a goal to present a candidate at the October 24 meeting. The source indicated that the caucus recently convened in Abuja and agreed on the importance of this upcoming meeting for the party’s future. They plan to propose a single nominee for ratification.

“We met at Stratton Hotel in Abuja and discussed various potential candidates, including former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and party member Conrad Utaan,” the source noted. “We aim to finalize our decision during the North Central Zonal Executive Committee meeting, where we’ll select the most suitable candidate to present to the NEC.”

He added that the North Central caucus is committed to ensuring the October 24 NEC meeting takes place as scheduled, unlike previous instances where it was postponed.

Kola Ologbondiyan, the former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, echoed the urgency of the meeting, stressing that it will be crucial in determining Damagum’s successor. “We must adhere to the announced date for the NEC,” he said. “The outcome of this meeting will significantly influence the party’s future.”

Conrad Utaan, a candidate for National Chairman, shared that he recently participated in a two-hour discussion with the North Central Executive Committee. He expressed confidence that a single name would emerge from ongoing consultations before the October 24 meeting.

“I conveyed my vision to the committee, and I believe they are considering all potential candidates,” Utaan stated. “I expect that we will present one name at the NEC, which will then be ratified as the new substantive chairman of the PDP.”

Attempts to reach Damagum and PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba for comments on this matter were unsuccessful, as they did not respond tocalls or messages.