PDP Caucus Approves Damagum To Remain PDP Chairman In Acting Capacity

Ambassador Illiya Damagum

THE National Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its support behind Ambassador Illiya Damagum, the controversial acting national chairman of the party, potentially fending off calls for his removal from office ahead of this Thursday's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

This follows the PDP caucus' decision to support his temporary continuation in office.

Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who surprised everyone by showing up late at the PDP caucus meeting on Thursday morning, supports Damagum.

Nevertheless, the caucus permitted Damagum to continue serving in an acting capacity until the next NEC meeting following Thursday's meeting, according to Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP national press secretary, who read the meeting's results.

In addition, he stated that any discussion about a potential leadership transition will wait until the party's next national convention at this Thursday's NEC meeting.

Ologunagba stated that the caucus' decision was made with the intention of maintaining harmony and peace within the party.

He said that in order to bring all of the members together, the caucus gave the party management instructions to form a discipline and reconciliation committee.

“NEC meeting will not discuss any change in leaders. Rather, attention is focused on unity and reconciliation.

“Caucus agreed that all congresses in the states and local government should be concluded between June and August this year.

“Caucus agreed on the extension of the constitution review committee of the party to accept new recommendations,” Ologunagba stated.

The PDP governors have previously stated that Damagum's destiny could only be decided by the NEC.

Damagum's resignation was demanded by North-Central PDP supporters and a few opposition MPs in order to make room for a North-Central member as chairman. The acting national chairman was also charged with not operating in the party's best interests.