Damagum considers defection to APC as PDP Faces Major Shake-Up Ahead of 2027 Elections

Damagum considers defection to APC as PDP Faces Major Shake-Up Ahead of 2027 Elections

 

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is bracing for a sweeping overhaul of its leadership structure, as the Douye Diri-led power-sharing committee pushes for a significant shake-up of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) ahead of its upcoming National Convention scheduled for August 28–30, 2025, in Kano.

 

The proposed reorganization, insiders say, could spell the end of the road for several key figures within the PDP’s national leadership — including acting National Chairman, Ambassador Illya Damagum.

 

The Diri committee’s preliminary report recommends that while the current geopolitical zoning of NWC offices should remain intact, individual states will no longer be allowed to retain their existing positions, a move designed to broaden inclusion and curtail the dominance of any one state.

 

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Damagum Accused of Betraying Wike As PDP Crisis Tears Party into Pieces

 

As a result, Damagum, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and several other high-ranking officials are expected to vacate their posts if the changes are ratified. The final decision will be made at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for June 30.

 

Damagum Eyes Exit Strategy

 

With his chairmanship position all but eliminated under the new zoning strategy, Damagum is reportedly exploring a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as he eyes a 2027 governorship bid in his home state of Yobe.

 

Sources at the PDP’s Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja say Damagum has been in quiet talks with allies in the APC, particularly Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, a longtime political associate who is believed to be offering him a path to the APC gubernatorial ticket.

 

“It’s a real possibility,” a PDP insider told this publication. “Damagum has been politically boxed in, and the APC is presenting an open door in Yobe.”

 

However, the path may not be smooth. Despite Buni’s support, Damagum may face stiff resistance from within the APC ranks — notably from influential figures like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. “Wike’s opposition could be a serious problem. He remains a power broker, even outside the PDP,” a party source noted.

 

Implications for 2027 Strategy

 

The Diri committee’s proposals go beyond personnel changes, hinting at deeper strategic repositioning within the PDP. Party insiders suggest the NWC reorganization could realign the PDP’s presidential ticket in 2027, potentially favoring a Southern candidate.

 

“Atiku Abubakar should forget it,” a senior NWC member said bluntly. “The mood of the country has shifted. There’s growing momentum behind a Southern candidacy, particularly from the South-East. And we’re already scouting viable names.”

 

The party is also expected to rotate the office of the National Secretary, currently held by Imo State, to another South-East state, in keeping with the recommendation that no state retains its current NWC slot.

 

Chairmanship Battle Looms

 

With Damagum sidelined, attention has turned to who will emerge as the next PDP national chairman. While the chairmanship remains zoned to the North-Central region, it is unlikely to return to Benue State, which currently holds the slot.

 

“The race is wide open,” another party source said. “There’s pressure to find someone with national appeal who can stabilize the party and build bridges across factions.”

 

As the PDP navigates this turbulent phase, observers say the party’s ability to manage internal reforms and emerging defections will be critical to its viability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

“Change was inevitable,” a senior party member concluded. “The question now is whether we can evolve fast enough to stay competitive.”