The Peoples Democratic Party has solidified its leadership, confirming Ambassador Umar Damagum as its substantive national chairman at a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s opposition.
The Peoples Democratic Party, during its 102nd National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on August 25, 2025, confirmed Ambassador Umar Damagum as its substantive national chairman. Damagum, who served in an acting capacity since March 2023 following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s suspension, will lead the party until its national convention in Ibadan on November 15. The decision, announced by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, aims to stabilize the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Damagum’s confirmation follows intense debates within the party, with the NEC endorsing his leadership to unify factions and strengthen opposition against the All Progressives Congress. The meeting also addressed internal reforms, with the PDP directing state chapters to review constitutional amendments. Damagum called for cohesion, warning against distractions that could weaken the party’s electoral prospects. The decision aligns with the PDP’s zoning of the chairmanship to the North, complementing its southern presidential ticket for 2027.
The confirmation has sparked discussions about the PDP’s future, with some praising Damagum’s steady leadership, while others urge broader reconciliation efforts. The move, building on the party’s strategic realignment, tests its readiness to challenge for power. As Damagum steers the PDP toward its convention, his leadership shapes Nigeria’s opposition landscape, aiming to restore the party’s national prominence.