As internal tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensify, the Yobe State chapter has passed a vote of no confidence on the acting national chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum. The resolution was made on Wednesday, May 14, following a series of allegations against Damagum for his alleged interference in the state’s ward and local government congress elections.
The meeting, which took place in Potiskum, was sparked by claims that the acting chairman manipulated the congress process to secure the election of only his loyalists.
According to Mohammed Bahkinga, a prominent member of the party, Damagum’s actions ensured that only individuals loyal to him were elected in both the ward and local government congresses.
Babangida Daniski, another key figure in the vote of no confidence, expressed disappointment in Damagum’s leadership, stating that the PDP had “died” under his watch.
Daniski, a fellow native of Yobe, emphasized that while the state had once held Damagum in high regard, his leadership had failed to inspire confidence in the party at the national level.
“People are leaving the PDP in droves,” he said, citing the recent defection of three elected PDP senators from Kebbi State as an example.
Daniski further criticized Damagum’s influence in the recent elections, arguing that individuals who had only recently joined the party and lacked political experience were being placed in positions of power.
“They don’t have the numbers, nor the political acumen to make an impact in Yobe, especially as we target the governorship seat,” he added.
While expressing gratitude for Damagum’s service to the party, Daniski concluded that his leadership could no longer guide the PDP to success in Yobe or beyond. “We appreciate his service, but he cannot lead us to the promised land,” he stated.
