Adamawa PDP endorses Damagum for National Chairman, shunning Atiku’s bid
The Adamawa State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its support behind Umar Damagum, the embattled acting National Chairman, over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for the 2027 presidential race.
This decision marks a significant divergence from Atiku’s stance on the party’s leadership.
The push to retain Damagum as the PDP National Chairman comes amidst efforts by Atiku to remove him from office. This internal rift has split the party, with 13 PDP governors taking opposing sides.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed leads the seven governors in favor of Damagum’s ousting, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and three others support his continuation in office.
Speaking at a press conference in Yola, PDP state chairman Abubakar Shehu confirmed their backing of Damagum, citing the party’s constitutional directives.
“The PDP Constitution, under Section 47(6), clearly states that any vacancy should be filled by someone from the same zone as the predecessor,” Shehu stated, aligning with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s stance and the backing of other PDP governors.
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Damagum’s endorsement is seen by many as a strategic move, likely orchestrated by factions within the PDP, particularly those aligned with Nyesom Wike.
This could diminish Atiku’s influence within the party and potentially boost the prospects of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
Atiku’s supporters view his stance as a fight for reforms within the party, with sources close to him emphasizing his commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the party’s constitution is followed.
However, this internal party rift may significantly alter the PDP’s leadership dynamics and impact the political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.
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