PDP Caucus extends Damagum’s tenure as acting Chair

The National Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended the tenure of the acting National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Umar Damagum, but still in acting capacity.

However, this is subject to the decision taken at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which will kick off hours from now.

Addressing journalists after the Caucus meeting at Bauchi Governors lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said the decision was aimed at ensuring reconciliation and unity in the party.

He said, “Umar Damagum will continue to be the acting National Chairman of the party until the next meeting of NEC. The party considers that it is important to have more consultation on that issue.”

“NEC meeting will not discuss any change in leaders. Rather, attention is focused on unity and reconciliation. Caucus agreed that all congresses in the states and local government should be concluded between June and August this year. Caucus agreed on the extension of the constitution review committee of the party to accept new recommendations.”

Before the caucus meeting, the National Working Committee of the party had passed a vote of confidence on Damagum.

But the North Central zone had insisted that one of their own should be allowed to complete the tenure of the suspended National Chairman Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

At a meeting at the Grand Ibro Hotel in Abuja on Wednesday, the North Central asked Damagum to revert to the position of Deputy National Chairman North, the position he was holding before his elevation as Acting National Chairman.

The region is insisting on Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution which provides that “Where a vacancy occurs in any of the office of the Party, the Executive Committee at the appropriate level shall appoint another person from the area or zone where the officer originated from to serve out the tenure”.

Before the Caucus meeting, Governors elected on the platform of the PDP had declared that only the NEC could decide the fate of Damagum.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, both attended the caucus meeting.

It was the first time that the duo were publicly seen together since the 2023 elections which worsened the PDP crisis as Wike worked for President Bola Tinubu, Atiku’s main rival in the election.