PDP In Turmoil? Damagum Shuts Down Explosive Defection Claims

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, has firmly denied rumours suggesting he plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling the reports false and politically driven.

Responding to an inquiry by The Nation, Damagum dismissed the allegations as fabrications by political adversaries intent on tarnishing his leadership.

“It’s the handiwork of my detractors,” he stated in a text message, waving off the speculation.

Reports had claimed Damagum was planning to leave the PDP after the party’s national convention scheduled for August 28–30, 2025, when his role as acting chairman is expected to end.

In a follow-up statement issued by his Personal Assistant, Nuru Jos, Damagum accused a group of disgruntled political actors—particularly those who lost influence in the recent North East zonal congress and failed to secure positions in Yobe State’s ward and local government congresses—of masterminding the rumours.

“This baseless claim, concocted by nameless elements, is a deliberate smear effort against Ambassador Damagum and his leadership,” the statement read.

The statement described the defection story as part of a broader attempt to undermine Damagum’s ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party, driven by internal saboteurs who are frustrated by his resistance to impunity and sectional interests.

“These individuals are upset because Damagum has consistently stood against the arbitrary removal of elected officers and refused to bend to selfish agendas,” it added.

Damagum reaffirmed that the PDP in Yobe State remains united and stable under his leadership. He emphasized his continued dedication to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“He is focused on uniting the PDP and steering it toward victory. Damagum is above petty politics and has the support of stakeholders across all levels of the party,” the statement concluded.