As the National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) approaches on October 24, leadership tensions have emerged within the party. Two prominent party members are at odds over which region should be responsible for choosing a replacement for the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. This disagreement has highlighted deeper divisions in the party, which has been grappling with internal conflicts since 2023.
Many PDP members, particularly those from the North Central region, have expressed dissatisfaction with Damagum’s leadership, accusing him of failing to take effective steps toward party reforms. In response, they have been pushing for his removal, insisting that his replacement must come from their region. Their argument is based on Section 47(6) of the PDP’s constitution, which states that if a vacancy arises, the Executive Committee should appoint someone from the same zone as the departing officer to complete their term.
However, not everyone agrees with this interpretation of the party’s rules. Segun Showunmi, a PDP governorship aspirant from Ogun State, disagreed with Kola Ologbondiyan, the former National Publicity Secretary of the party. While Ologbondiyan supported the idea of the North Central producing Damagum’s replacement, Showunmi argued that the position of National Chairman should not be limited to any specific zone. According to him, the focus should be on finding the right leadership to steer the party, rather than zoning.
Ologbondiyan defended his stance, emphasizing that the North Central deserved to have a say in the party’s leadership, as they were left without a voice following the last chairman’s removal. He stressed that it was important for the PDP to respect the region’s demands to maintain unity within the National Working Committee.
Showunmi, however, countered that the issues facing the PDP are much larger than regional representation. He argued that the party is at risk of losing relevance if it continues to prioritize zones over the kind of leadership the party needs. Showunmi emphasized his commitment to revitalizing the PDP by bringing in fresh ideas and engaging young people. He highlighted his personal investment in the party, stating that his candidacy was a significant risk but necessary to move the party forward.
In the end, both leaders expressed their views, but the core of the debate remains about what kind of leadership will bring stability and progress to the PDP in the long term.