The governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s National Working Committee have been divided over plans to remove IIiya Umar Damagum as the party’s acting national chairman.

While Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is also the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, disclosed that plans have been finalized to remove Damagum, his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, has expressed support for the embattled national chairman.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri pledged his full support for Damagum, but Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke stated that he would respect the decision of the NWC regarding the acting chairman’s dismissal.

After meeting with the party’s NWC, Mohammed declared that Damagum must go, arguing that it is a constitutional aberration for him to remain in office. He noted that the North Central should be allowed to complete the tenure of former national chairman Ayu, who hails from Benue State.

In contrast, Makinde voiced his full support for Damagum. Speaking on Tuesday at the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standards, Makinde emphasized that this is not the right time for the party to allow further crisis.

For Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, the relevant provisions of the PDP Constitution should prevail in the ongoing crisis within the party. Adeleke stated, “I stand by the Constitution of our great party, which clearly spells out the succession procedure in the event of the exit of an elected chairman. I also support the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum, of which I am an integral part. 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.”

Damagum’s position as acting national chairman has always been precarious, as he occupies a position zoned to the North Central. Prof. Iyorchia Ayu, from Benue State in the North Central, became the national chairman after the position was ceded to that zone, but Damagum, from Kebbi State in the North East, was appointed acting national chairman after Ayu was forced out in 2023.

The PDP North Central caucus has been advocating for Damagum to step down so that the zone can produce a substantive national chairman to complete Ayu’s tenure. However, the party’s leadership remained silent on the matter until Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, one of Damagum’s major backers, threatened to disrupt the states of PDP governors who supported their Rivers State colleague, Siminalayi Fubara.

Damagum had been working with Wike to diminish Fubara’s influence within the Rivers PDP, leading to speculation that the governor might leave the party. Damagum handed Wike control of the PDP structure in Rivers after approving the state congress held on August 31, 2024, where Wike’s loyalists secured all positions. Fubara and his camp boycotted the congress.

Wike was summoned by the PDP Disciplinary Committee following his outburst against the governors, who responded by openly backing Fubara, insisting that he, as governor, should be recognized as the party’s leader in his state.

However, Investors King reports that as the governors and Wike engage in a battle for supremacy, indications have emerged that Damagum is poised to become the sacrificial lamb.

As residents of Edo State within the voting age file out to elect their new governor on Saturday, September 21, 2024, President Bola Tinubu has called on all stakeholders in the upcoming Edo State governorship elections to conduct themselves peacefully and sportingly.

The task is coming amid tension and allegations of meditated arrest and planned rigging by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

There has been heavy deployment of security operatives in the state ahead of the polls.

The distribution of non-sensitive materials took place in Benin City on Thursday amid tight security forces.

Already, a public holiday had been declared in the state today by the government for workers and other electorate to travel to their polling units to cast their ballots for the successor of Goodwin Obaseki.

However, the President, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, warned INEC against compromising the integrity of the poll.

Tinubu also implored the governorship candidates, political parties, and supporters to respect the democratic process and the people’s will.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu believes in the voters’ ability to make informed decisions about their future leaders.

President Tinubu emphasised that democracy thrives on civility, tolerance, patience, and respect for the rules of the game.

He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has committed to conducting a free and fair election and urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure a successful and peaceful process.

The President commended the governorship candidates and political parties for their campaigns, which have focused on issues that matter most to the people of Edo State, including improving livelihoods, promoting economic growth, and contributing to national development.

He urged all citizens in the state to remain peaceful and respectful throughout the voting process. He encourages them to resolve any disagreements amicably through the constituted authorities.

“In addition, President Tinubu expresses unwavering confidence in the professionalism and integrity of security agencies and INEC officials. He urges them to remain impartial and avoid any actions that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process,” Onanuga said.