Adamawa PDP Abandons Atiku for Acting Chairman Damangun

Atiku, a prominent figure from Adamawa, has been opposed to the idea of a North-East candidate assuming the position of the party’s national chairman.

Yola, Nigeria — The political landscape in Adamawa State has shifted as the state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its support behind the embattled acting national chairman, Umar Damangun, distancing itself from former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

This development is a major setback for Atiku, whose ambitions for the 2027 presidential election now face uncertainty.

Atiku, a prominent figure from Adamawa, has been opposed to the idea of a North-East candidate assuming the position of the party’s national chairman. However, the PDP in his home state has taken a divergent position, supporting the North-East to produce the next national chairman.

Speaking at a press conference in Yola on Wednesday, Abubakar Shehu, Chairman of the Adamawa State PDP, expressed the chapter’s firm support for Damangun to assume the role of national chairman, citing the party’s constitution.

“The Constitution of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) clearly states the position of the existing vacancy. Section 47(6) provides that: ‘Where a vacancy occurs in any of the offices of the party, the Executive Committee at the appropriate level shall appoint another person from the area or zone where the officer originated from to serve out the tenure of the officer,’” Shehu stated.

He emphasized that based on the constitutional provisions, the Adamawa chapter backs the position of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and other PDP governors in endorsing Damangun to complete the tenure of ousted National Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.

“The former national chairman is from the North-East. Therefore, Sen. Umar Ilya Damangun, the deputy national chairman of the northern zone, is most qualified to serve out the tenure of the former national chairman,” Shehu added.

Sources reveal that this move is part of a broader strategy led by a faction of the PDP loyal to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. The group’s agenda is reportedly to block Atiku’s potential presidential bid in 2027, paving the way for an easier re-election campaign for President Bola Tinubu.

Insiders confirm that should Damangun remain in the position, it will weaken Atiku’s political influence and structures within the party ahead of the PDP’s National Convention, where new leaders will be elected.

The endorsement of Damangun is seen as a tactical maneuver that could significantly reshape the power dynamics within the PDP, especially as preparations for the 2027 general elections gain momentum.