North Central PDP Leaders Reject Damagum’s Suspension, Backs Acting Chairman Appointment

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the North Central Zone have distanced themselves from the reported suspension and removal of the party’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, by the Senator Anyanwu-led faction.

In a statement released after a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the group also dismissed the appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as acting National Chairman, describing the move as illegal and divisive.

Francis Orogu, Secretary of the PDP North Central Zone, said the crisis was unnecessary and urged party members to respect existing National Executive Committee (NEC) decisions meant to strengthen the PDP ahead of its national convention.

He cautioned Mohammed to avoid actions that could worsen internal conflicts, saying the alleged appointment by a “four-member National Working Committee” had no legitimacy.

Meanwhile, the PDP National Ex-Officio Forum condemned the invasion of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja by Anyanwu and his supporters, calling it an act of political lawlessness and a violation of the PDP constitution.

Forum leaders Clement Faboyede and Hassan Comfort reaffirmed their loyalty to Damagum, describing him as the legitimate chairman who has promoted peace and reforms within the party. They urged members to remain calm and united, expressing confidence that the rule of law would prevail.

The forum also called on security agencies to safeguard the PDP’s national institutions and hold those behind the disruption accountable.

However, the PDP Youth Leaders Forum across the 36 states and Abuja expressed support for Abdulrahman Mohammed, urging him to focus on uniting the party.

Spokesperson Jamilu Ali described Mohammed as youth-friendly and capable of stabilising the PDP, while the forum’s secretary, Brian Odion, said the group supports any move aimed at doing “the right thing” to restore harmony in the party.