The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday confirmed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the party, bringing an end to months of uncertainty over its leadership.
Damagum, who had been serving in an acting capacity since the exit of former chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu in March 2023, was sworn in by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, during the NEC’s 102nd meeting in Abuja. His tenure will run until the party’s next national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The NEC also discussed critical issues affecting the unity and future of the PDP. At the heart of the deliberations was the case of prominent members accused of anti-party activities, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom. The disciplinary committee led by Chief Tom Ikimi had submitted its report to the National Working Committee (NWC), with Wike’s political conduct forming part of the conversation.
Party elders also confronted the lingering leadership dispute surrounding the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, which had previously sparked divisions within the NWC and the Board of Trustees. The NEC reaffirmed its authority, insisting that decisions taken by the highest decision-making body are binding.
In a major strategic decision, the PDP zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move party leaders described as necessary to strengthen unity and balance national expectations. Other national offices retain their existing zonal arrangements.
Beyond internal matters, the NEC addressed the state of the nation, condemning rising insecurity, worsening economic hardship, and what it described as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s misuse of state power in recent elections. Party leaders vowed to resist intimidation and remain steadfast in defending Nigeria’s democracy.
The NEC further approved a timetable for congresses at various levels, while directing its constitutional amendment committee to circulate proposed changes to organs of the party for input ahead of the November convention.
Damagum, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to the NWC and NEC for their support, pledging to strengthen reconciliation efforts and reposition the PDP as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With Damagum now firmly in the saddle, attention shifts to how the party will navigate its internal divisions, reconcile aggrieved members, and prepare a strong front to challenge the APC in the next presidential race.
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