UPDATED: PDP affirms Damagum as substantive national chairperson

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed Umar Damagum as the substantive national chairperson of the party.

The confirmation was made during the party’s 102nd NEC meeting held on Monday at its national secretariat in Abuja.

The NEC is the highest decision-making organ of the PDP, comprising state governors, serving and former presidents, former vice-presidents, the chairperson and secretary of the board of trustees (BoT), principal officers of the national assembly, all state chairpersons, members of the NWC, former governors, and founding members, among others.

After the confirmation, the PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, administered the oath of office to Mr Damagum.

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In a communique issued after the meeting, the PDP NEC said Mr Damagum’s confirmation is in recognition of the efforts of the National Working Committee (NWC) under his leadership in stabilising the party.

“In recognition of the efforts of the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum in stabilising the party. The NEC hereby ratifies and confirms the appointment of Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum as the substantive national chairman of the party with effect from today, Monday, 25th August, 2025 until the national convention holding at Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, on 15th to 16th November, 2025,” the communique said.

Mr Damagum had been serving in an acting capacity since March 2023, following the suspension of Iyorchia Ayu as the national chairperson over internal party crises.

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His appointment as acting chairperson was later affirmed by a court ruling that upheld Mr Ayu’s removal.

Before assuming the role, Mr Damagum was the PDP National Deputy Chairperson (North). He took over in line with the party’s constitution, which stipulates that in the event of resignation or death of the national chairperson, the deputy national chairperson from the section of the country where the former chairperson comes from steps in.

Mr Ayu is from Benue State, while Mr Damagum hails from Yobe State. Both states are in the North.

Damagum’s remarks

In his acceptance speech, Mr Damagum expressed appreciation to members of the NEC for confirming his appointment.

“This gesture is not just for me, but for all of us, because I owe it to those who have been part of this journey. I want to remind us that we came in at a very difficult time, but to the glory of the Lord, we are still united as one party.

“This is what has made this gesture possible. My appreciation goes to all NEC members, all PDP members here and at home,” he added.