North Central PDP Backs Damagum: Warns Against ‘Political Coup’ in PDP Leadership Crisis

Introduction

In a bold stand against internal divisions, the North Central Zonal Working and Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for National Chairman Umar Damagum. This development comes amid escalating tensions within Nigeria’s primary opposition party, where the committee has issued a stern warning against what it labels a ‘political coup.’ Triggered by a Federal High Court judgment on October 31 delivered by Justice Omotosho, the crisis highlights ongoing factional battles threatening PDP unity.

For those new to Nigerian politics, the PDP serves as the main opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Zonal committees like North Central—covering states such as Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau—play crucial roles in coordinating regional activities and ensuring adherence to party constitution. This endorsement of Damagum underscores efforts to preserve internal democracy and constitutional order in the PDP leadership crisis.

Analysis

Background on PDP Leadership Tensions

The PDP has faced persistent leadership challenges since Umar Iliya Damagum assumed the role of acting National Chairman in 2023, following the suspension of Iyorchia Ayu. Damagum, a diplomat and party stalwart from Yobe State, has navigated legal and political hurdles to stabilize the party. The October 31, 2025, judgment by Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court reignited these issues, prompting emergency responses from various PDP organs.

Role of North Central PDP Zonal Committee

Comprising working and executive members from the North Central geopolitical zone, this committee held an emergency meeting in Abuja. Their communiqué, read by Secretary Francis Orogu, explicitly distances the zone from recent moves to oust Damagum. This action reflects broader zonal dynamics in PDP, where regional loyalty often influences national decisions, emphasizing the importance of zonal endorsements in PDP political coup allegations.

Implications for PDP Unity

The committee’s stance warns of ‘determined elements’ plotting to hijack party leadership unconstitutionally. By condemning actions as ‘reckless and insulting,’ it positions the North Central PDP backs Damagum narrative as a defense of party statutes, potentially averting deeper fragmentation ahead of future elections.

Summary

The North Central PDP zonal leadership convened urgently in Abuja to address the fallout from Justice Omotosho’s October 31 judgment. They reaffirmed loyalty to Umar Damagum, rejecting his purported removal by four National Working Committee (NWC) members and the appointment of Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed as acting chairman. Described as unconstitutional, this ‘political coup’ attempt is seen as a threat to PDP’s internal democracy, with the zone calling for adherence to established procedures.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For PDP Members and Supporters

Stay informed through official PDP channels and verified news sources to distinguish legitimate leadership directives from factional maneuvers in the PDP leadership crisis. Engage in zonal activities to strengthen regional voices like the North Central PDP backs Damagum position.

For Political Observers

Monitor court proceedings related to Justice Omotosho’s judgment and NWC decisions. Use tools like Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal for party registration updates, ensuring awareness of constitutional requirements for leadership changes.

For Voters

Understand PDP zonal structures to evaluate party stability. Follow developments via reputable outlets to assess how PDP political coup warnings impact opposition strength against APC.

Points of Caution

PDP stakeholders should avoid endorsing unverified leadership changes, as seen in the rejected appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed. Factionalism risks eroding public trust in the opposition, potentially benefiting rivals. Members must prioritize constitutional processes to prevent escalation of the PDP leadership crisis. Additionally, misinformation on social media about North Central PDP backs Damagum could mislead supporters—verify facts from primary sources like zonal communiqués.

Comparison

Versus Past PDP Crises

This episode echoes the 2022-2023 PDP chairmanship saga, where zoning disputes led to Ayu’s removal and Damagum’s emergence. Unlike that period’s peaceful transition via NEC decision, the current ‘political coup’ involves minority NWC actions, deemed invalid by the North Central zone—highlighting stricter adherence to majority consensus now.

With Other Nigerian Parties

In contrast to APC’s occasional smooth zoning rotations, PDP’s zonal interventions like North Central PDP backs Damagum reveal deeper ethnic-regional fault lines. Labour Party’s 2023 unity post-election offers a counterexample, where minimal factionalism bolstered opposition momentum.

Legal Implications

The Federal High Court’s October 31 judgment by Justice Omotosho directly fueled these tensions, though specifics remain tied to ongoing PDP disputes over leadership eligibility and zoning. PDP constitution (as amended) mandates National Executive Committee (NEC) approval for chairman removals, rendering actions by four NWC members unconstitutional per Article 47 and related clauses. The North Central committee’s rejection aligns with this, potentially inviting further litigation. Courts have previously nullified similar minority-led changes, as in 2017 PDP crises, emphasizing judicial oversight in party matters under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (Section 222) and Electoral Act 2022.

Conclusion

The North Central PDP’s endorsement of Umar Damagum signals a critical pushback against destabilizing forces in the PDP leadership crisis. By labeling ouster attempts a ‘political coup,’ the zonal committee reinforces constitutional governance, vital for PDP’s role as Nigeria’s opposition powerhouse. As factions clash, unity via legal adherence will determine the party’s electoral viability. Stakeholders must heed these warnings to safeguard democracy within the PDP.

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