PDP crisis: Damagum camp, anti-Wike govs may clash today

The 13 state governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party are headed for a possible showdown today (Monday) as they meet to discuss the party’s internal crisis, which took a deeper turn on Friday following the emergence of a factional PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Yayari Mohammed.

Friday’s development marked a new twist in the clamour to remove the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, who is an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The move to remove Damagum has split the PDP governors, with the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, leading six other governors pushing for Damagum’s ouster.

With Mohammed 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.

Meanwhile, four other governors, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who are allies of Wike, are opposed to Damagum’s removal.

Others with Makinde are Governors Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.

However, two out of the 13 governors are neutral. They are Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.