Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has firmly denied recent reports suggesting that he is planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Damagum described the claims as baseless and an orchestrated attempt by his political detractors to undermine his leadership and credibility within the party.
Speaking in response to an inquiry by The Nation, Damagum dismissed the defection allegations via a brief text message, stating that they originated from his “detractors.” He emphasized that there is no truth to the speculation and attributed the rumours to individuals seeking to destabilize the PDP’s internal structure ahead of the party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for August 28 to 30, 2025.
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According to the initial report, Damagum was allegedly planning to leave the PDP at the conclusion of his tenure as acting chairman following the convention. However, in a subsequent statement released by his Personal Assistant, Nuru Jos, the party chieftain made it clear that the allegations were part of a broader smear campaign targeting his leadership. The statement claimed that those behind the false report were political actors who had recently lost relevance within the party, particularly in the North East zone and during the ward and local government congresses in Yobe State.
The statement read in part, “This baseless report, authored by faceless individuals, was clearly fashioned to smear and defame the person and leadership of Ambassador Damagum.” It further accused those spreading the rumour of resorting to “cheap blackmail” out of frustration over their inability to gain control within the party.
Damagum’s office argued that the rumours were being peddled by individuals who were unhappy with his commitment to internal reforms and efforts to end impunity within the party structure. The statement highlighted that these internal opponents were displeased with his refusal to allow the arbitrary removal of elected officers and his resistance to sectional and personal agendas.
According to the statement, “The smear campaign is being orchestrated by internal saboteurs who, failing to impose impunity and personal agenda, falsely accuse Ambassador Damagum of standing in their way.” The document added that these individuals are attempting to sabotage Damagum’s reconciliation efforts by spreading falsehoods aimed at creating internal discord within the PDP.
Damagum, who hails from Yobe State, also reaffirmed that the party remains strong, united, and well-positioned under his leadership in the state. He maintained that he remains focused on his mission to reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections and urged all party members to reject divisive tactics being used by some disgruntled elements.
The acting chairman stressed that he remains above “petty politics” and continues to act impartially in all party affairs. “It is this sense of balance that has earned him the confidence and backing of the party’s stakeholders across the board,” the statement emphasized.
Damagum concluded by reiterating his loyalty to the PDP and his commitment to its unity and reconciliation. He stated that rather than being distracted by baseless accusations, he will remain focused on building a cohesive party structure capable of winning future elections.
As of now, no formal disciplinary action has been initiated by the party against any individuals in connection with the rumour. Party insiders suggest that the leadership is choosing to focus on party stability in the lead-up to the national convention, rather than fueling internal controversies.
There has been no official comment from the APC regarding the speculation. Political analysts view the rumour as part of the high-stakes maneuvering currently unfolding ahead of the 2027 general elections, during which both major parties are expected to compete fiercely for dominance, particularly in Nigeria’s northern regions.
