In a major legal development, a court ruling has halted any plans by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), its National Executive Committee (NEC), and the Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum from his position as the Acting National Chairman of the party. This decision comes as a significant move amidst the internal power struggles within the PDP, keeping Damagum in place for the foreseeable future.
The court’s decision was delivered on October 2024, where it placed a restraining order on the party’s organs, specifically barring the PDP’s NEC and BoT from making any moves to oust Damagum from his role as the acting head of the party’s leadership. The ruling came as a result of legal disputes within the party, as factions have been maneuvering to reshuffle the leadership and realign their influence within the party’s hierarchy.
Damagum, who has been at the helm since the suspension of the former chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, has faced growing opposition from within the PDP. Some party members and stakeholders were allegedly lobbying for his removal to bring in a new leadership structure ahead of the next election cycle.
This court decision is crucial as it ensures Damagum’s continued leadership at a critical time for the PDP. The party has faced a series of internal crises, especially after losing the 2023 presidential election. Stability within its ranks is essential as the PDP aims to reorganize and strategize for the future. Damagum’s leadership has so far been focused on uniting the party and addressing the grievances of various factions within the PDP, which have become more pronounced since the election.
With the court ruling, any immediate attempt to remove him is now off the table, allowing him to focus on his agenda without the looming threat of being ousted.
The PDP is currently at a crossroads, and the court’s intervention might give the party a chance to address internal power struggles without exacerbating divisions. Damagum’s leadership represents a continuity approach that appeals to members who believe the party needs stability rather than a complete overhaul.
However, this ruling could deepen tensions within the PDP, as some factions may feel sidelined by the court’s decision. It also indicates that the legal battles within the party are far from over, as disputes about leadership and direction will likely continue, especially with the 2027 general elections in view.
For now, Damagum remains in his position as the Acting National Chairman, giving him the authority to oversee party activities and work towards reconciliation within the party. His leadership will be closely watched, especially as the PDP prepares for upcoming elections, both at the national and state levels.
The court’s decision buys him time, but it also puts the pressure on him to prove that his leadership can bring the party together and strengthen its chances of future electoral success. Whether this ruling leads to long-term stability or further legal wrangling remains to be seen, but for now, the PDP’s leadership struggles are on hold.
