The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing another major leadership crisis as pressure mounts on National Chairman Umar Damagun to step down immediately. The growing discontent within party ranks has drawn striking comparisons to the circumstances that led to the removal of his predecessor, Iyorchia Ayu.
Governors Lead Charge for Change
Influential PDP governors are reportedly at the forefront of the movement to remove Damagun from his position. According to party insiders, these governors have expressed deep dissatisfaction with Damagun's leadership style and his perceived inability to unite the fractured opposition party.
The situation has become so dire that some party stalwarts are openly predicting that Damagun will follow the same path as Ayu, who was ousted amid similar internal wrangling. "What happened to Ayu will happen to Damagun," one senior party member declared anonymously.
Wike's Influence Creates Rift
At the heart of the controversy lies Damagun's alleged closeness to Nyesom Wike, the former Rivers State governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister. Many party faithful believe Damagun has been too accommodating to Wike and his group, creating significant tension within the party's leadership structure.
This perceived alignment has particularly angered PDP governors who remain loyal to the party's core principles and leadership. They argue that Damagun's leadership has allowed the Wike camp to maintain undue influence within the party despite their controversial stance during the last general elections.
National Working Committee Under Fire
The discontent isn't limited to Damagun alone. There are growing calls for a complete overhaul of the party's National Working Committee (NWC). Party reformers argue that the current NWC has failed to provide the strong, unified leadership needed to reposition the PDP as a credible alternative to the ruling party.
Several PDP stakeholders have emphasized the urgent need for a national chairman who can command respect across all party factions and effectively lead the opposition ahead of future elections.
Historical Parallels Emerge
The current crisis bears remarkable similarity to the events that led to Iyorchia Ayu's removal as national chairman. Like Damagun, Ayu faced mounting pressure from within the party before eventually being forced out of office.
Party historians note that both situations involved deep-seated disagreements about leadership style, allegations of favoritism, and concerns about the party's direction ahead of crucial electoral contests.
As the pressure continues to build, all eyes are on Damagun and how he will respond to these mounting calls for his resignation. The outcome of this internal power struggle could significantly shape the future of Nigeria's main opposition party and its preparedness for upcoming political battles.
