Adamawa PDP Backs Damangun Over Atiku for 2027 Presidential Race

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State has thrown its support behind Umar Damangun, the acting national chairman of the party, over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential election. This decision is seen as a significant setback for Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.

The development came to light during a press conference held in Yola, where the state chairman of the PDP, Abubakar Shehu, made it clear that the Adamawa chapter of the party is firmly backing Damangun. He emphasized that the party’s constitution mandates that any vacancy in its leadership should be filled by a candidate from the same zone as the outgoing official. This is why the state chapter supports Damangun, who is from the North-East, to complete the tenure of the former national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, who was ousted.

“The Constitution of the People’s Democratic Party clearly states the position of the existing vacancy,” Shehu explained. “Section 47(6) states that where a vacancy occurs in any of the offices of the party, the Executive Committee at the appropriate level shall appoint another person from the area or zone where the officer originated from to serve out the tenure of the officer.”

Shehu further noted that the state chapter is aligned with Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and other PDP governors who have endorsed Damangun for the position. “The former national chairman is from the North-East. Therefore, Sen. Umar Iliya Damangun, the deputy national chairman of the northern zone, is most qualified to serve out the tenure of the former national chairman,” he stated.

This endorsement is a blow to Atiku, who has opposed the idea of another North-East candidate occupying the seat of the national chairman. He has expressed concerns that such a move could hinder his own presidential ambitions for 2027.

Meanwhile, there are reports that this move is part of a larger strategy by a faction within the PDP, led by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, to prevent Atiku from securing the party’s nomination for the 2027 presidential race. According to sources, the plan is to weaken Atiku’s influence in the party, making it easier for President Bola Tinubu to secure re-election in 2027.

Political analysts suggest that Damangun’s appointment as national chairman could indeed undermine Atiku’s political structures within the party ahead of the PDP’s National Convention, where new leaders will be selected. This could potentially complicate Atiku’s path to the party’s nomination, as his home state’s support is crucial for his political base.

The situation has raised questions about the unity of the PDP in the North-East, especially with prominent party members taking differing positions on the issue. While some believe that supporting Damangun is in line with the party’s constitution, others argue that it could create divisions and weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections.