The rivalry between former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesome Wike has escalated as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gears up for its 98th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday, April 18.

One of the key issues expected to dominate the meeting is the leadership of the party, with calls for the replacement of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum. Damagum assumed the role following the suspension of National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu by the court in March last year.

Sources within the party reveal that Atiku’s camp is backing former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam for the position, while Wike’s camp, supported by some PDP governors, is pushing for Damagum to be confirmed as the substantive chairman to complete Ayu’s tenure.

The power struggle between Atiku and Wike dates back to the build-up to the 2023 general elections when Atiku defeated Wike for the PDP presidential ticket and subsequently chose Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate instead of Wike. The fallout led to Wike supporting the eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.

A member of the PDP North Central Caucus, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “Wike and some PDP governors want Damagum to be confirmed as the PDP substantive chairman. They are supporting someone from the North-East to complete the tenure of a position zoned to the North Central for their selfish reasons.”

However, a highly placed member of the PDP National Working Committee asserted that the position of National Chairman is not vacant since Ayu’s case is still in court. The source added, “The PDP Constitution does not specify the duration or tenure for someone to assume the role of acting party leader. Therefore, Damagum will continue to serve in that capacity.”

As the NEC meeting approaches, the PDP faces internal divisions and a battle for control between the Atiku and Wike factions.