Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has withdrawn his support for the Acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum. This decision aligns with the PDP Governors’ Forum, which advocates for the removal of Damagum in favor of appointing a new leader from the North Central region. The change comes as part of efforts to respect the party’s constitution.
Governor Adeleke made his position clear in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Thursday. The statement revealed that Adeleke, along with other PDP governors, believes it is critical to follow the party’s constitutional guidelines when appointing leaders.
The PDP has faced a leadership crisis since the removal of its former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, in 2022. Ayu, who had been a key figure in the party, was ousted due to internal disagreements and pressure from various factions within the PDP. Since then, Umar Damagum has served as the acting chairman, but his position has been under scrutiny as the party looks to resolve lingering disputes.
According to the PDP constitution, after Ayu’s exit, his successor must come from the North Central region, a requirement that has not yet been fulfilled. This constitutional rule has now become the focal point of the current disagreement. Governor Adeleke and several other governors are pushing for a North Central representative to take over leadership, a move aimed at restoring order and balance within the party.
Governor Adeleke has made it clear that his support for Damagum’s removal is based on the need to uphold the PDP’s rules. In his statement, Adeleke stressed that the party’s long-term stability depends on following its constitution, particularly in leadership appointments. He expressed concern that failing to follow the proper succession procedure could undermine the party’s credibility and weaken its internal structure.
“I stand by the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum of which I am an integral part,” Adeleke said. “Our party must adhere to its Constitution at this critical time and at all times. That is the way to build a responsible political party.”
Adeleke’s statement underscores his commitment to the rule of law within the party. He believes that by sticking to the constitution, the PDP will be able to navigate its current challenges and emerge stronger ahead of future elections.
While Governor Adeleke and several others support the removal of Damagum, not all PDP governors agree. Some have publicly declared their backing for Damagum, leading to a division within the party. This disagreement has further deepened the leadership crisis, as different factions continue to push their agendas.
Those in support of Damagum argue that his leadership has been instrumental in maintaining some level of stability within the PDP since Ayu’s removal. They believe that changing the leadership now could disrupt the party’s preparations for upcoming elections and create further instability.
Despite the opposition, Adeleke remains firm in his stance. He maintains that following the constitution is the only way to ensure lasting peace and unity within the PDP. “This is not about personal preferences or alliances. It’s about doing what’s right for the party and its future,” Adeleke added.
The leadership crisis within the PDP is expected to continue as both sides stand their ground. However, the focus remains on resolving the dispute in a way that will strengthen the party and prepare it for future electoral contests.
Governor Adeleke’s call for adherence to the constitution highlights the ongoing struggle within Nigerian political parties to balance internal democracy with personal interests. The PDP, as one of Nigeria’s major political parties, will need to navigate this challenge carefully to maintain its relevance and cohesion.
As the party works through its leadership issues, it remains to be seen whether the PDP Governors’ Forum will succeed in removing Damagum and appointing a new chairman from the North Central region. The decision will have significant implications for the future direction of the party and its chances in future elections.
For now, Governor Adeleke’s position is clear: the PDP must respect its own rules and appoint a chairman according to its constitutional provisions. Whether or not the party follows through with this approach remains to be seen, but it is certain that the outcome will shape the future of the PDP in the years to come.
