In the best interests of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) at all levels, Umar Damagum, the interim chairman of the party, has been persuaded to step down by a prominent member of the party, Dr. Farah Dagogo.
The results of the 98th meeting of the PDP National Executive Committee, or NEC, were characterized by Dagogo, a former member of the National Assembly from Rivers State, as yet another illustration of the party's ability to withstand any adversity.
Remember that there were several ideas and variations made in the lead-up to the NEC meeting about the possibility that the PDP might encounter new difficulties while attempting to find a way for the North Central Zone to provide a meaningful National
Speaking outside the NEC meeting where Umar Damagum was elected to continue as the party's Acting National Chairman until the next meeting, which is set for August, Dr. Farah Dagogo stated that those who truly care about the party's best interests made timely sacrifices to keep the party stable. The former member of the House of Representatives stated that the party would have "played into the hands of some individuals, who wanted the party to implode in order to improve their political fortunes" if it hadn't been for the political maturity and discernment displayed by the party's leader, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and other leaders prior to and during the NEC meeting.
He was optimistic that Damagum would have realized that "it is in the best interest of the party for him to vacate the position for a more purposeful and result-oriented leadership" before the August adjournment date.
"I saw a win-win situation as the NEC meeting's result. In spite of all the difficulties, the party survived and will only get stronger.
"Yes, the Acting Chairman kept his job, but both he and others can see that it would be better for the party if he left by August to make way for a more focused and deliberate leadership team.