According to the report from the Vanguard, Following the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to retain Ambassador Umar Damagum as Acting National Chairman, the battle for the soul of the party has now shifted to the forthcoming State congresses.
According to Sunday Vanguard, Damagum’s retention, amidst alleged efforts to replace him, has triggered a new phase in the struggle to influence the party's internal dynamics leading up to the 2027 general elections.Supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who strongly endorse Damagum, have welcomed this decision as a triumph over the faction loyal to former Vice President Atiku, which sought Damagum's ouster.
The focus of contention within the party has now transitioned to the typically hotly contested Ward, Local Government, and State congresses.Governors, particularly those succeeded by influential figures or party veterans, are anticipated to engage in fierce battles to either retain or gain control of the party structures at the state level, a move aimed at bolstering their political prospects.
During a period marked by political tensions between Wike and his successor, Similaye Fubara, the FCT Minister publicly declared, "We will not allow anybody to tamper with our structure in Rivers State."Contrastingly, Fubara seems resolute in his intentions to challenge this stance in a bid to fortify his position as governor.