The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has undergone a significant change in leadership as former acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, handed over to the newly constituted National Working Committee (NWC) led by Tanimu Turaki. The transition took place at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, marking the end of Damagum’s tenure, which expired on December 8, 2025.
The leadership transition follows a period of internal conflict within the party, with a faction led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, contesting the leadership. Despite these challenges, Damagum expressed optimism about the party’s future, stating that the new NWC has the mandate to reunify the PDP.
Damagum emphasized the party’s resilience, noting that despite obstacles, the PDP remains a dominant force in Nigerian politics. He attributed the party’s enduring relevance to its commitment to justice and the support of its members. The outgoing chairman warned that those responsible for the crisis within the party would ultimately face consequences for their actions.
Turaki, the new NWC chairman, praised the outgoing leadership for their efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to working towards the progress of the PDP. The transition marks a new chapter for the party as it seeks to regain stability and cohesion.
The PDP has been a major player in Nigerian politics, and its internal dynamics are closely watched by observers. The party’s ability to navigate its current challenges will be crucial in determining its future prospects. As the new NWC takes the helm, it will need to address the underlying issues that led to the leadership crisis and work towards rebuilding the party’s strength.
The handover ceremony marked a significant step towards resolving the party’s internal conflicts, and the new leadership will be expected to hit the ground running. With the 2025 deadline having passed, the party will need to focus on repositioning itself for future elections and reclaiming its status as a dominant force in Nigerian politics.