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Internal Wrangling Surge In PDP As Calls Grow Louder For Damagum’s Removal—-The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, with mounting pressure on the party’s embattled acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, to step aside.

Party insiders reveal that factions loyal to various power blocs are at loggerheads, threatening to deepen the cracks within the opposition party.

At a recent Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja, members voiced frustration over the state of the party, particularly the National Working Committee’s (NWC) repeated delays in convening a much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

The postponement has fueled allegations that the party has been hijacked by vested interests, with Damagum’s leadership at the centre of the controversy.

The defection of Eriethake Ibori-Suenu, a PDP House of Representatives member from Delta State and daughter of former Governor James Ibori, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has further escalated tensions.

The BoT members reportedly view the defection as a symptom of the party’s waning influence under Damagum’s leadership.

In their communique, the BoT demanded that the NWC convene the NEC meeting by February 2025 to address pressing issues, including the nomination of a replacement for former National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, by the North Central Zone.

Damagum’s critics, many of whom are aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accuse him of favouring the interests of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Despite the opposition, Damagum’s camp remains optimistic. His supporters argue that a court injunction secures his position until December 2025, allowing him to serve out his term.

However, some insiders suggest that Damagum is prepared to revert to his role as Deputy National Chairman (North) if his tenure as acting Chairman is cut short.

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Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

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Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant—-Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election—an early move that is already stirring quiet conversations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement did not come in the open. Instead, it followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat reportedly informed key stakeholders of his intention to run. Present at the gathering were members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, and influential figures within the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Among those in attendance were former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former senator Ganiyu Solomon—names that signal the weight of the political bloc involved in the discussions.

Speaking afterwards, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as “unanimous,” framing it as a consensus among party stakeholders. But the speed and timing of the endorsement—well ahead of party primaries—have raised eyebrows about how firmly the succession plan may already be taking shape behind the scenes.

“We just received Mr Deputy… to inform us of his intention,” the governor said, adding that those present agreed he is “fit and well-prepared” for the role.

Sanwo-Olu leaned heavily on Hamzat’s track record and their long-standing working relationship, portraying him as a loyal and capable hand ready to take over. He went further, suggesting that Hamzat has effectively been groomed for the position from the outset.

“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one,” he said.

In a remark that may further fuel speculation, the governor also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics, hinting that the current development could be part of a longer-term political vision.

Observers note that describing the gathering as a “family meeting” may reflect the tightly knit nature of decision-making within the state’s political structure—where major alignments are often settled before they reach the public stage.

While Hamzat has long been regarded as a key player in Lagos politics, the early endorsement positions him more clearly at the centre of succession discussions, even before a formal campaign has begun.

With more than a year to go before party primaries, the move is already reshaping conversations within the APC, where control of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre—remains one of the most strategic political prizes.

Whether this early alignment holds or faces internal pushback in the months ahead is a question many party watchers are now quietly asking

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2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option

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Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress

2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option—-Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will prioritise a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, but may conduct primaries if internal talks fail.

Speaking on a prime-time programme on Arise TV, Atiku explained that party leaders are working to avoid internal disputes by rallying around a single candidate through dialogue and agreement.

He expressed confidence that stakeholders would reach a common ground, noting that experienced politicians within the party understand the importance of unity.

According to him, the ADC is focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, with members committed to managing differences without causing division.

Atiku also reiterated his willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, regardless of the selection method.

He further stated that he is open to stepping aside for any aspirant, including Peter Obi, if they emerge as the preferred choice, emphasizing that unity within the party remains the top priority ahead of the 2027 elections.

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