In a recent interview with journalists, Umar Iliya Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), acknowledged the numerous challenges he inherited when he took over leadership of the party. However, he expressed his commitment to staying composed and focused in order to facilitate the party’s healing process.
Damagum described the PDP as a “fragmented party,” stating that internal divisions have plagued its efforts to regain national power. He emphasized that the opposition camp had not won the elections in 2019 and 2023, according to his perspective.
Despite the party’s best efforts, the PDP has failed in its two most recent attempts to reclaim national leadership. The party has been out of power for nine years and is still grappling with internal rifts and discord among its prominent members. These unresolved issues have been a significant obstacle to its ambitions ahead of the next general elections in 2027.
In an interview with Daily Trust over the weekend, Damagum explained the difficulties of managing a party that is deeply divided. “Well, when you have a fragmented party that is full of people that are not happy they lost, people have played different roles; so my duty here is to take the bullet for all sinners so that the party will remain an indivisible party,” Damagum said.
However, Damagum’s leadership, like that of his predecessors, has not been without criticism. Many within the party are skeptical about its ability to address these internal divisions effectively, especially in preparation for the next election cycle. Damagum has faced growing discontent as the PDP struggles to reconcile its differences and strengthen its structure ahead of 2027.
One of the most pressing issues is the party’s leadership crisis. Over the past year, the PDP has seen three different individuals occupy the role of national chairman. Ongoing internal conflicts have also prevented the party from convening a convention to elect a permanent chairman, leaving Damagum to continue as acting chairman.
The PDP remains divided into two major factions, one led by former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the other by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. Both factions have been entrenched in their positions, further deepening the divisions within the party. A third emerging faction, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, is also believed to be seeking greater influence, as he reportedly harbors presidential ambitions.
The power struggle between these factions has made it difficult for the party to reach a consensus on key leadership issues. Atiku’s faction is advocating for a new national chairman to be selected from the North-central zone, while Wike’s faction prefers to see Damagum continue in his role. Meanwhile, the North-central zone of the party is demanding the chairmanship be returned to their region following the removal of Iyorchia Ayu, who hailed from that area.
The party is facing additional pressure as 60 federal lawmakers have warned they will leave the PDP if Damagum does not step down from his position as acting chairman. Furthermore, notable figures such as former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha have recently exited the party, signaling a growing discontent among senior members.
Although the situation within the PDP has somewhat stabilized, many party members remain unconvinced of its ability to effectively reorganize and emerge as a strong contender in the upcoming elections. The internal conflicts and factional struggles continue to weigh heavily on the party’s prospects, making it unclear whether it can overcome these obstacles in time for 2027.
As the PDP navigates these turbulent times, the leadership under Damagum faces an uphill battle to unite the party and restore its credibility on the national stage. Whether the party can successfully reconcile its divisions and regain its footing remains to be seen
