By Abiola Olawale
The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has once again escalated as governors elected under the party’s platform have begun a move to remove Iliya Umar Damagum from his position as acting national chairman of the party.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State made this known following a meeting with the National Working Committee of the party.
Mohammed, who also serves as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, explained that it is a “constitutional aberration” for Damagum to continue in office.
According to him, the North Central region should be allowed to complete the term of the party’s former chairman Iyorchia Ayu, who hails from Benue State.
He said: “My brother from the North East is currently serving as Acting National Chairman, which is constitutionally inappropriate.
“According to our party’s constitution, any leadership vacancy should be filled by someone from the region where it originated.
“North Central has been eager for this opportunity, and we’ve discussed this issue. We are committed to working with the NWC and the party to ensure that the North Central is given the chance to assume this responsibility.”
It would be recalled that the PDP has been divided between those advocating for Damagun’s support and those opposing his continued tenure.
Damagum had been accused by some PDP leaders, including federal lawmakers elected under the party, of doing the bidding of the All Progressives Congress(APC).
It is believed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is an ally of Damagum.
Also, checks reveal that Damagum’s travail is an offshoot of the broader battle for the control of PDP between camps loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Wike.
