- Safiu Kehinde
Amidst division over the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for adherence to the party’s constitution in electing new national chairman.
Adeleke made this call in a statement on his X handle on Friday.
Following the PDP Governors Forum meeting held yesterday, Adeleke drummed support for the forum’s resolution to follow the succession procedure stipulated in the party’s constitution- a decision which implies the call for the exit of the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun.
“Yesterday, I clarified my position on the ongoing leadership crisis affecting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I reaffirmed my commitment to the Constitution of our great party, which clearly outlines the succession procedure in the event of the exit of an elected chairman.
“I also fully support the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum, of which I am an integral part.
“At this critical time, our party must adhere to its Constitution, as it must at all times. This is the only way to build a responsible and enduring political party.” Adeleke wrote.
However, the PDP Governors appeared to be at loggerhead over the removal of Damagun.
According to reports, a member of the PDP National Working Committee disclosed that in addition to the backing of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, Damagum has the support of at least four governors from the party.
He identified the four governors as Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State; and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.
According to the source, while the Enugu and Zamfara state governors, Peter Mbah and Dauda Lawal, respectively, are neutral, the remaining seven PDP governors are pushing to oust Damagum.
The anti-Damagum governors are led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
With him are Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno.