Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s prospects of becoming the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate for the 2027 elections seem to be diminishing as his home state, Adamawa, has expressed its support for Umar Damangun, the party’s acting national chairman who is currently facing challenges.
Despite Atiku’s vocal opposition to appointing another candidate from the North-East for the national chairmanship position, his own state chapter of the PDP, along with influential leaders in the region, has rallied behind Damangun.
In a press conference held in Yola on Wednesday, Abubakar Shehu, the chairman of the Adamawa State PDP, officially endorsed Damangun. Shehu emphasized that the state chapter is fully united with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and other PDP governors who have backed Damangun to fulfill the remaining term of the ousted chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.
Referencing the party’s constitution, Shehu stated that their decision is rooted in a commitment to the party’s guidelines. He highlighted Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution, which mandates that a vacant position must be filled by someone from the same zone as the previous officeholder. Since Ayu originated from the Northeast, Damangun, currently serving as the deputy national chairman for the northern zone, is considered the appropriate successor.
“The previous national chairman was from the Northeast, making Sen. Umar Ilya Damangun the most qualified individual to complete the remaining term,” Shehu remarked.
Insider sources indicate that Governor Nyesom Wike and his associates are strategically maneuvering to curtail Atiku’s influence in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Wike’s faction is reportedly advocating for a leadership arrangement that could obstruct Atiku’s candidacy while facilitating a smoother re-election campaign for President Bola Tinubu.
