According to a senior PDP National Working Committee (NWC) member, the four governors supporting Damagum’s leadership include Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas. Their stance contrasts with that of seven other PDP governors, who are pushing to replace Damagum. This group is led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum.
The growing tension escalated after Damagum aligned with Wike to secure approval for the controversial Rivers State PDP Congresses and postponed the party’s National Executive Committee meeting from September to October. Wike’s public backing of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara further fueled discord, with several governors calling for a review of the congresses and reaffirming Fubara’s leadership.
Makinde and his allied governors have remained steadfast in their support for Damagum. Speaking on behalf of the pro-Damagum faction, Makinde assured the acting chairman of their full backing to help “reposition the party.”
However, tensions remain high within the party, as governors opposing Damagum, including Bala Mohammed, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki, and others, insist that his replacement should come from the North Central region, in line with the PDP Constitution.
Meanwhile, efforts to mediate the ongoing dispute have been underway. The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Chairman Adolphus Wabara, has held a series of closed-door meetings with key party stakeholders, including the PDP caucus in the National Assembly and Minister Wike, in an attempt to calm tensions and find a path forward.
As the battle for the party’s leadership continues, Damagum enjoys solid backing from key governors, while opposition from others grows. The coming weeks may prove decisive in determining the party’s leadership and future direction.
