Adamawa state governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has pledged his full support for the acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, in a public statement on X.
This followed the sharp divisions within the party leadership over Damagum’s continued tenure.
Fintiri wrote: “Solidly in support of Amb. Umar Damagum as National Chairman of @OfficialPDPNig! His leadership has restored public confidence, and we are confident he will steer the party to greater heights,”
He further urged all members to: “respect the court ruling and uphold our democracy,” signalling his alignment with those favouring Damagum’s leadership.
Fintiri’s endorsement follows a widening split among PDP governors regarding whether to retain Damagum as the party chair.
On Tuesday, a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) met with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who voiced dissatisfaction with Damagum’s leadership.
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Mohammed stated that the party would seek to replace him, calling his tenure “untenable.”
According to Mohammed, the Northcentral zone is constitutionally entitled to fill the leadership vacancy, given that the chairmanship originated from that region.
“My brother from the Northeast is currently serving as Acting National Chairman, which is constitutionally inappropriate,” Mohammed remarked.
He emphasised the need for the party to: “ensure that the Northcentral is given the chance to assume this responsibility.”
However, a separate meeting led by Damagum and members of his NWC took place in Ibadan with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, where the acting chair received full support.
“Let me say clearly that we are 100 percent in support of the Damagum-led NWC,” Makinde declared during the event, adding that the faction was committed to “repositioning the party.”
