The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Renaissance Group, a coalition of party stakeholders from Nigeria's North Central region, has issued a stern warning to the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, over what it describes as continued disenfranchisement of the region.
Speaking through its spokesperson, Comrade Bem Terdue, the group demanded an end to what it called a violation of constitutional provisions guiding the replacement of party officers, insisting that the office of the National Chairman should return to the North Central zone.
Citing Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), the group emphasized that any vacancy in a national party office must be filled by someone from the same geopolitical zone as the original occupant. The position, previously held by Senator Iyorchia Ayu from Benue State in the North Central region, is currently occupied in an acting capacity by Damagum from the North East.
Chairman of the group, Dr. Gowon Aondoawase, said the continued retention of Damagum as acting chairman constitutes a “constitutional aberration” and undermines party unity.
“We will no longer tolerate the systematic marginalization of the North Central zone,” Aondoawase stated, warning that the group may withdraw support or even exit the party if its demands are not met.
The Renaissance Group also linked the party’s recent internal disputes—including issues surrounding the National Secretary position—and electoral underperformance to what it views as poor leadership under Damagum. It referenced the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara and some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as further evidence of the party’s internal crisis.
With the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025, the group is urging all party organs—including the National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees (BoT), and Governors’ Forum—to intervene by ensuring the nomination and ratification of a North Central candidate as substantive chairman.
“The PDP Renaissance Group stands firm with the people of the North Central and all Nigerians who believe in a united, democratic, and vibrant PDP,” the statement concluded. “The time for action is now.”
