The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed Ambassador Umar Damagum as the party’s substantive National Chairman, officially ratifying his leadership during the committee’s 102nd meeting held in Abuja on Monday.
Damagum had been serving as acting chairman since March 2023 following the suspension of former chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu, a decision that was later upheld by the court.
Before assuming the acting role, Damagum held the position of Deputy National Chairman (North).
His confirmation came after the NEC temporarily paused the session to allow for a formal swearing-in ceremony, which was conducted by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.
In his acceptance speech, Damagum expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the National Working Committee (NWC) for their support and collaboration over the past two years.
He also thanked the NEC for recognizing his efforts toward repositioning and stabilizing the party.
“I sincerely appreciate the confidence reposed in me. The work has been challenging, but the unity within the party leadership has made progress possible,” he said.
A communiqué released after the meeting praised the Damagum-led NWC for its role in maintaining party cohesion and steering the PDP through a critical post-election period.
“NEC hereby ratifies and confirms the appointment of Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the party with effect from today, Monday, August 25, 2025,” the document stated.
His tenure will continue until the PDP’s national elective convention, scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15–16, 2025.
