Three Damagum-Era PDP Leaders Hold Fort as Wike Faction Shakes NWC

Three key members of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) under the now-defunct Umar Damagum leadership have retained their positions, in a move that signals continuity amid a brewing leadership tussle.

Samuel Anyanwu remains National Secretary, Umar Bature holds on as National Organising Secretary, while Kamaldeen Ajibade continues as National Legal Adviser.

Their retention came on Sunday in Abuja during the national convention organised by the faction aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The convention produced other leaders by consensus, including Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka as Deputy National Chairman (South), and Yusuf Akirikwen as Deputy National Chairman (North). About 15 other officials were also elected.

The outcome, however, is expected to deepen existing divisions within the PDP, particularly between the Wike faction and supporters of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

The Makinde-aligned camp, which recognises Kabiru Turaki as National Chairman, had rejected Sunday’s convention and approached the Supreme Court to restrain the Wike faction from proceeding. The court had not ruled on the matter at the time of the convention.

The Makinde camp had previously held its own convention in Ibadan in November 2025, despite court orders restraining the exercise. The courts later nullified that convention, a verdict the Wike faction cited to assert control over the party machinery.

The stage is now set for another chapter in the PDP leadership saga, as both camps brace for the fallout of parallel structures and legal battles.