Umar Damagum, acting national chair of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has survived attempts to remove him from office — at least for now.
Briefing journalists after the PDP national caucus meeting
early Thursday morning, Debo Ologunagba, the party’s spokesperson, said the
issue of whether Damagum should remain or be removed from office has been
deferred.
He said Damagum will continue as acting national chair of
the party till the next national executive committee (NEC) meeting.
The party’s constitution mandates that NEC meeting be
convened once in three months.
“The caucus did not
deliberate on this matter because there are numerous complexities regarding
leadership at this time,” he said when asked about the caucus decision on
Damagum.
“Therefore, this matter was deferred to the upcoming NEC
meeting. The issues presented by the NWC were discussed by the caucus. Umar
Damagum will remain the acting national chairman of the party until the
subsequent NEC meeting following tomorrow’s (today’s) session.
“The party has recognised the importance of conducting
further consultations on that matter. Our priority is maintaining party unity,
as we navigate through these issues without causing division.
“We are committed to
following our constitution and any succession plan that aligns with our current
circumstances, including ongoing court processes. Our aim is to take actions
that promote unity and are by our constitution.”
The resolution of the national caucus is subject to the
ratification of NEC.
The NEC meeting is scheduled to hold today.
The PDP national caucus is a vital organ of the party.
Members usually meet a day before the NEC meeting.
Majority of decisions made at the NEC meeting are typically
deliberated upon during the national caucus gathering.
There have been calls from different quarters for Damagum to
step down as the PDP acting chairman.
Damagum became acting chairman following the suspension of
Iyorchia Ayu in March 2023.
Those demanding Damagum’s resignation based their argument
on the need for someone from the north-central to take over and complete Ayu’s
tenure.
Ayu hails from Benue state.
On Tuesday, the national working committee (NWC) of the PDP
passed a vote of confidence in Damagum, amid calls for him to step aside.
WHAT NATIONAL CAUCUS
DISCUSSED
The PDP spokesperson said the caucus discussed several
issues, including the unity of the party.
“At the meeting, the
national caucus deliberated on the forthcoming local government, ward, and
state congresses, scheduled for between June and August 2024,” he said.
“The caucus endorsed the NWC’s reconstitution of the party’s
disciplinary and reconciliation committees. These are standing committees
tasked with addressing internal party matters.
“Fourthly, the caucus
extended the tenure of the party’s Constitution Review Committee to incorporate
new suggestions for amending the party’s constitution.
“Additionally, the caucus also discussed various methods of
fundraising for the party, including membership drives, investment initiatives,
and other matters that the NWC will address and subsequently present to the NEC
for approval.”
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