The North Central leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is preparing to present a replacement for the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, at the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 24. This decision follows internal unrest within the party and criticism of Damagum’s leadership, particularly regarding his failure to implement effective reforms after the 2023 general elections.
The North Central caucus emphasized that the upcoming NEC meeting is crucial for the future of the party, with many members pushing for the swift selection of a new chairman to restore the PDP’s stability and reputation.
A senior member of the NEC from the North Central zone, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the region has already started searching for a suitable replacement. According to the source, the caucus recently met in Abuja to discuss potential candidates, including former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and party chieftain Conrad Utaan.
“We met at Stratton Hotel in Abuja. The zone is going to pick from the people who are out there, including former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and Conrad Utaan, among others. We listened to Utaan and a few other aspirants during our last meeting, and we will meet others soon,” the source said.
The source added that the leader of the party in the North Central zone, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, is expected to consult with other stakeholders and convene a Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) meeting to finalize the selection of a candidate. This candidate will be presented at the NEC meeting on October 24 for ratification.
“The ZEC meeting will ensure that the most acceptable and competent aspirant is chosen from the zone to be presented at the NEC meeting. It is important that the October 24 NEC holds as planned, and many leaders of the party are agitating for it to happen on the stipulated date,” the source continued.
Kola Ologbondiyan, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, echoed this sentiment, warning against any attempt to postpone the NEC meeting. He stressed that the meeting is crucial for determining Damagum’s replacement.
“The NWC-announced NEC date must stand. For what it’s worth, we should be able to sit down together and determine the future of the party. I believe strongly that the party will make a decisive decision about Damagum’s replacement at the next NEC slated for October 24,” Ologbondiyan said.
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He also warned that any further postponements of the NEC meeting would be met with resistance from party stakeholders.
Conrad Utaan, one of the aspirants for the National Chairman position, expressed optimism about his chances after addressing the North Central Executive Committee for two hours. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Utaan shared that he believes the zonal leadership will present only one name at the NEC meeting, ensuring a smooth transition.
“I recently addressed the North Central Executive Committee of the party for two hours, and my message resonated with them. I expect that the North Central will bring up only one name at the NEC on the 24th of October, and once the name is ratified, that’s the new chairman of the PDP,” Utaan said.
Utaan acknowledged that other candidates from Kogi and Benue are also in the race but expressed confidence that the zonal leadership will make the right decision.
Efforts to reach Umar Damagum and the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for comments were unsuccessful, as both officials did not respond to calls or text messages from journalists.
The October 24 NEC meeting is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the PDP’s future, with party members hoping that the selection of a new chairman will help restore unity and address the party’s internal challenges.