By Ishaya Ibrahim
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, is said to have four governors backing his ally, Umar Ilyasu Damagum to continue as the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Analysts say Damagum’s continuous retention of the position violates the party’s constitution which requires vacancy in a position to be filled by someone from the same zone as the last occupant. The last occupant was Iyiorchia Ayu who is from the North Central. Damagum, who steps into the position of Acting National Chairman after Iyiorchia Ayu was removed by a court order, is from the North East.
According to sources in the PDP, four governors, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State; and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State are in support of Damagum.
Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah and Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal, are neutral.
The anti-Damagum governors are led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. With him are Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno.
The crisis in the PDP may come to a head on October 24 when the party’s NEC met to take a decision on the fate of Damagum.
Recall that it is the rift between Wike and the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara that has pitted the party’s governors against each other. Wike’s relevance in the PDP is because his allies currently occupy the critical positions of Acting National Chairman, and National Secretary. If his allies lose the position, his political structure in Rivers State will be gone for good.
