News
PDP Crisis: Atiku Backs Anti-Damagum NWC Members
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind the plot to unseat the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum. The Tide’s source learnt on Sunday that Atiku reached out to members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) advocating for Damagum’s ouster.
This move to remove Damagum has divided the 13 state governors elected on the PDP platform. While seven governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, are pushing for Damagum’s removal, four others, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, support his retention. The pro-Damagum governors are allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is in conflict with the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Atiku and Wike fell apart ahead of last year’s general elections, with Wike leading five PDP governors to oppose Atiku’s presidential bid.
A senior member of the PDP NWC, who requested anonymity due to a lack of authorisation to speak publicly, confirmed that the former Vice President had reached out to some of the anti-Damagum forces and other party stakeholders. The source stated, “We are not alone; important leaders in the party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have spoken with some of us.”
ISince taking on the role of acting National Chairman of the PDP after the removal of Iyorchia Ayu, stakeholders have criticized Damagum for failing to implement essential reforms to revitalise the party. Tensions escalated when Damagum’s NWC transferred control of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike instead of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This action angered the PDP Governors’ Forum, which insisted that a state governor has the right to serve as the party leader in the state.
When asked what Atiku communicated to the anti-Damagum NWC members, the source stated, “I can confirm that Atiku has spoken with some of us. He assured us that we are not alone and that he supports our pursuit of justice, fairness, and equity. He encouraged us to stay motivated and continue advocating for the PDP Constitution to be followed in the NWC’s daily decisions. He understands our reasons for wanting Damagum removed and did not disagree.
“We have no personal issues with Damagum; our goal is to protect the party so that Nigerians have an alternative in future elections. Damagum should honour the party’s Constitution and traditions, step back to his original role as Deputy National Chairman (North), and allow the North Central to nominate a replacement promptly.”
Another reliable source close to Atiku indicated that the former Vice President wants Damagum replaced in accordance with the PDP’s Constitution. This source said, “Atiku is collaborating with NWC members and other dedicated party leaders to ensure that the right actions are taken to uphold the party’s Constitution.”
Regarding whether Atiku wants Damagum removed, the source explained, “It’s not about Damagum; the former Vice President is focused on democracy and the PDP. Atiku prefers to work discreetly to repair what has been damaged.”
All attempts to reach Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, for a response were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or reply to messages.
However, a PDP NEC member and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, has called on party leaders to set aside their differences, refrain from verbal conflicts, and direct all matters to the appropriate committees. In an interview with The Tide’s source, Osadolor expressed confidence in the reconciliation and disciplinary committees, urging all stakeholders to let them operate diligently without distractions.
On August 21, the PDP NWC established two committees: one led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi for disciplinary matters and another led by former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola for reconciliation. The Oyinlola committee is tasked with reconciling party members and addressing various issues, while the Ikimi committee will review petitions and recommend sanctions for members who violate party rules.
Osadolor stated, “The NEC approved the establishment of reconciliation and disciplinary committees. These committees have been inaugurated and are currently working. I know that all is not well with the party, but I have faith in Ikimi’s committee and the reconciliation committee. Members with genuine issues should reach out to these committees and avoid actions that may distract them. We must refrain from public verbal attacks and allow the committees to do their work.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
Sports10 hours agoPlateau Wins Kanemi, As Bayelsa, Bendel Played 1-1
-
Education10 hours agoVC Congratulates Igwe on Appointment as Pro-Chancellor
-
Politics10 hours agoAlleged Attack On Abure In Benin, LP Calls For Investigation
-
Sports10 hours agoLa Liga: Atletico Bring Real Back To Earth
-
Maritime10 hours agoCustoms, MAN Consent On 4% FoB Exemptions, Manufacturing Support Measures
-
Rivers10 hours agoIAUE Emerges Winner Of National Campus Debate, 2025
-
News10 hours agoFUBARA: UNDERUTILISED SEAPORTS DENYING RIVERS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY ……..Hosts NPA Board, Mgt On Courtesy Visit
-
Opinion10 hours ago94 Years From A Turning Point