Politics
Damagum: Four govs back Wike’s support for PDP chair
There is no resolution in sight to the crisis rocking the major opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as calls to replace its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, have deepened divisions within the PDP Governors’ Forum.
A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, speaking anonymously, revealed that, in addition to the backing of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Damagum has the support of at least four governors from the party.
He identified the four governors as Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State; and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.
According to the source, while the Enugu and Zamfara state governors, Peter Mbah and Dauda Lawal, respectively, are neutral, the remaining seven PDP governors are pushing to oust Damagum.
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 source noted, “Oyo State Governor Makinde leads three other governors who are friends of Wike, and they are backing Damagum to continue in his acting role.”
Since assuming the role of acting National Chairman after Senator Iyorchia Ayu was sacked by a court, Damagum has faced increasing blame from party leaders for the ongoing crisis in the PDP, with calls for his resignation.
The situation escalated when Damagum and other NWC members aligned with Wike to secure approval for the controversial Rivers State PDP Congresses and postponed the National Executive Committee meeting from September 26 to October 24.
Tensions between Wike and the current Rivers State Governor heightened on August 24, following public backing for Fubara from PDP governors who called for a review of the Rivers State Congresses and reaffirmed Fubara’s leadership.
Wike responded aggressively on August 31, threatening to disrupt activities in the governors’ states if they continued to interfere in Rivers State matters.
In turn, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, condemned Wike’s threat as irresponsible on September 3.
Wike maintained his position, stating he would not withdraw his threat regarding actions in PDP states.
While hosting five NWC members in Bauchi, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum dismissed Wike’s threat and indicated that the North Central region would propose Damagum’s successor.
In a swift response, Makinde, a Wike ally, assured Damagum on Wednesday of their full support to help reposition the PDP.
The Oyo State Governor stated: “I am glad that the National Working Committee of our party is here. I read that there was another meeting in Bauchi. Let me say it clearly that we are 100 percent in support of the Damagum-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition the party.”
The reliable source disclosed that the governors of Enugu and Zamfara states are neutral regarding the ongoing leadership crisis in the PDP.
He stated, “Of course, Wike is not alone. He enjoys the support of the PDP governors and other party stakeholders. Makinde has always been Wike’s close friend; governors of Taraba, Plateau, and most surprisingly, Adamawa State are with them.
“These are the people who are working with Wike to sustain Damagum and empower the FCT Minister to take over the PDP structure in Rivers State.
“You heard Bauchi State Governor in recent times, so you know where he stands. Others that are with the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum are Fubara, Delta, Osun, Bayelsa, maybe Akwa Ibom. The remaining two, Zamfara and Enugu, are indifferent.”
Confirming what the source said, the Adamawa State governor publicly declared his full support for the PDP acting national chairman on X on Thursday.
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.”
Also, Fintiri, in a press statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership on Thursday on behalf of the PDP in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states.
The statement indicated that the North-East caucus of the PDP is fully supportive of Damagum.
It stated, “The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states has endorsed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum’s leadership as acting National Chairman. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, speaking on behalf of the five states, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership since assuming office.
“Citing a Federal High Court Abuja restraining order, Fintiri stated that Damagum should complete former Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure unless the court decides otherwise.
“The governor praised Damagum for restoring public confidence in the party and urged members to respect the court’s ruling for the party’s and democracy’s sake.
“The governor, who described the performance of the party in the North-East region during the 2023 elections as unprecedented at all levels, noted that the zone deserves the position of National Chairman more than any section in the North.”
On Thursday, Osun State Governor, Adeleke, declared his stance against Damagum.
In a statement released on Thursday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke urged party members to consistently adhere to the party’s Constitution, especially during this critical time. The PDP Constitution stipulates that any replacement for a vacant NWC position must be sourced from the zone of the previous occupant. In other words, Ayu’s successor should be from North Central.
“I stand by the Constitution of our great party, which clearly spells out the succession procedure in case of the exit of an elected chairman.
“I also stand by the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum, of which I am an integral part. Our party must adhere to its Constitution at this critical time and at all times. That is the way to build a responsible political party,” Adeleke said.
Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees, led by its Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, met behind closed doors with the PDP caucus in the National Assembly on Thursday.
Emerging from the meeting, Wabara said the deliberation was peaceful.
The meeting with the lawmakers came two days after the BoT held a similar closed-door meeting with Wike.
“We met with the National Caucus, and as you can see, the meeting was peaceful,” Wabara told newsmen on Thursday.
The PDP BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, and other members held a closed-door meeting with Wike in Abuja on Tuesday.
Recall that the BoT met with the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bauchi State Governor, in the state capital on Wednesday.
The meeting between the National Assembly Caucus and the BoT took place at the PDP office, Legacy House, in Abuja.
In addition to Wabara and Makarfi, attendees included House Minority Leader, Hon. Chinda Kingsley; Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi; House of Representatives Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa JC; and Hon. Pastor Ojema Ojotu, among others.
The BoT convened the meeting to assess the sentiment of the PDP caucus in the National Assembly regarding the party’s challenges, urge calm, and suggest recommendations for resolving the issues.
In the now-controversial post shared on his social media page, Osborne wrote: “In a sane clime president Bola Ahmed Tinubu would’ve respectfully and honourably resigned. I’m of APC but truth be told.”
The comment quickly generated reactions online before the Akwa Ibom State Government moved to terminate his appointment.
In a letter dated June 2, 2026, the Office of the Political Adviser to the Governor announced his immediate disengagement.
The termination letter, signed by the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, stated that Osborne Ubong Okon had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.Politics
According to the letter, the decision was taken over actions the office described as disloyal.
“You are hereby relieved of your engagement as a Media Aide to the Political Adviser to His Excellency the Governor, with immediate effect and from today, 2nd June 2026,” the memo read.
The letter further cited “actions bordering on disloyalty” and the need to keep the office “purified” as reasons for the dismissal.
The office also issued a warning to members of the public and government officials regarding future dealings with the former aide.
“Any person having dealings with the above-mentioned former Media Aide in relation to this office of his former engagement does so on his/her own peril,” the statement added.
The development has sparked fresh conversations about the limits of political expression for government appointees and the expectations of loyalty within public service, particularly when comments are directed at the presidency.
Neither Osborne nor the Presidency had publicly responded to the development as of the time of filing this report.
The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday at the Assembly complex in Dutse, the state capital, as the party continues to deal with the fallout from recent primaries.
The action comes amid a wave of suspensions across Jigawa APC following the recently conducted primary election.
Several special advisers and special assistants have already been suspended statewide over alleged anti-party activities from state level down to local government level.
Maigari, who doubles as the councillor representing Auyo Ward, was suspended after the House considered a motion by the Majority Leader, Lawan Dansure.
The motion sought disciplinary action against the lawmaker for conduct deemed harmful to party cohesion.
Moving the motion during the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, Dansure urged members to support the suspension.
He said the House must act to protect the integrity of the ruling party ahead of 2027.
According to him, the actions of the Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
“His actions are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress,” Dansure told the House.
He argued that anti-party conduct at the grassroots level could undermine APC’s performance in future elections.
He said the House could not fold its arms while party discipline was being tested.
“Hon. Haruna Maigari is hereby suspended as Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council over alleged anti-party activities,” Dangyatin announced during plenary.
The Speaker also said the House remains committed to party discipline at all levels of governance in the state.
Dangyatin then constituted an investigative committee to look into the matter and report back within two weeks.
“The committee is expected to establish facts and recommend further action based on its findings,” he said.
The Speaker also directed the suspended lawmaker to hand over all official documents in his possession to the Deputy Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council.
He said the handover must be done immediately to ensure continuity of council business.
Meanwhile, the House also received a formal notification from Governor Umar Namadi regarding an official trip.
“The governor is billed to attend a two-day West African Rice Investment Roundtable in Accra, Ghana,” the Speaker said during the plenary session of the Assembly.
Dangyatin, who explained that the governor’s foreign engagement will hold between June 2 and June 3, 2026, added that “the governor’s participation is aimed at attracting investment to Jigawa’s rice value chain.”
By Chinedu Sabastine
Mr. Samson Chukwu Nnamani has declared that he remains the authentic governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 election.
Nnamani made this known on Friday during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Enugu.
Reacting to allegations that he was suspended from the party before the PDP governorship primary election, Nnamani dismissed the claim, questioning how a supposedly suspended aspirant could participate in the exercise and secure votes.
“The purported claim that I was suspended is very funny. If I was suspended as they claim, how can they attribute votes for me during their kangaroo primary,” Nnamani questioned.
Represented by his Media Director, Dr. Buchi Nnaji, the PDP chieftain said his authenticity derives from the present recognition of the Abdulrahman-led faction of the PDP by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of which he is a member.
The clarification followed the emergence of multiple claimants to the PDP governorship ticket in Enugu State.
Nnamani insisted that the party was no longer factionalised following INEC’s recognition of the Abdulrahman-led PDP leadership, noting that the panel which declared him winner where sent from their headquaters, Abuja.
Nnamani expressed gratitude to PDP leaders and supporters whom he said turned out massively on Sunday, May 24, 2026, to elect him as the party’s governorship candidate.
He pledged to reposition Enugu State through infrastructure development, job creation and people-oriented policies.
“As the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, I remain committed to the ideals of good governance, inclusive leadership, economic development, youth empowerment, quality education, improved healthcare and enhanced security for all residents,” he said.
He added that his aspiration was to build “a greater Enugu State where opportunities abound for every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social status.”
According to him, his administration would prioritise infrastructure development, industrialisation, support for small businesses and welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“We shall also review and remove policies and practices that are truncating the wellbeing, economic survival and social advancement of the citizens,” he stated.
Nnamani further called on stakeholders, party faithful, youths, women, traditional rulers and the people of Enugu State to join hands in building “a united, peaceful and progressive state.”
“Together, we can achieve the Enugu of our dreams,” he added.
The Presidency has reacted following the circulation of an alleged WhatsApp voice note in which President Bola Tinubu reportedly claims he begged opposition figure Peter Obi to step down ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The reaction came on Wednesday from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President.
Onanuga condemned the audio file, labeling it a fabrication and called for legal action against popular social media critic VeryDarkMan who shared it.
“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform.,” Onanuga tweeted.
In the viral video, VeryDarkMan used the alleged leaked audio to urge Nigerians to vote against President Tinubu’s reelection bid in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Recall that just days ago, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, President Tinubu secured the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a landslide nationwide direct primary election.
During that contest, Tinubu faced a lone challenger, Edo State businessman and APC chieftain Stanley Osifo. The President won with 10,999,162 votes from the 12,643,306 registered party members, while Osifo secured 16,503 votes.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 election, is widely expected to fly the flag for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Both Obi and Tinubu hail from the southern region of Nigeria and are set to face last year’s runner-up, Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to lead the ticket for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, has accused Governor Francis Nwifuru of running the state like a personal family business.
Odii made the remark shortly after emerging as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election following the party’s primary election conducted across the 13 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to party supporters in Abakaliki, Odii said the 2027 election would be about rescuing Ebonyi from poor governance and restoring economic growth and public welfare.
“Ebonyi can never be consumed. Ebonyi can never be conquered. Ebonyi can never become a personal family business, and we are here for the rescue of our dear state,” he stated.
The PDP flag bearer pledged to improve the welfare of civil servants and teachers while promising policies aimed at reviving the state’s economy.
Odii also dismissed fears over political opposition ahead of the election, insisting that his focus remained the development and progress of Ebonyi State.
-
Crime5 days agoNigeria’s Army General, wife kidnapped by gunmen
-
Foreign5 days agoNigerian Catholic priest convicted in US for sexual assault
-
Crime4 days ago
Oyo abduction: Teachers begin strike as Tinubu sends 1,000 forest guards to rescue victims
-
Education3 days agoEnugu East Chairman Celebrates Children’s Day with St. Ann’s College, Reaffirms Commitment to Education
-
News3 days agoDSS Detains Novelist Okey Ndibe at Lagos Airport, Awaits Clearance from Abuja
-
Crime4 days agoUS Announces $3.5m Religious Freedom Initiative, Questions Nigeria’s Response to Attacks
-
EverydayNews Telescope4 days agoThree Years On the Saddle : The Governor Peter Mbah score card that is a tall order
-
Crime3 days ago2 Police Officers Shot Dead as Gunmen Attack Anambra Chief of Staff’s Convoy