Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, has denied reports suggesting he is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It was gathered that the PDP chieftain described the claims as false and politically motivated.

Damagum, in a response to an inquiry by The Nation, attributed the speculation to political enemies determined to discredit his leadership.

“It is my detractors,” Damagum said via text, dismissing the defection rumours.

Reports had alleged that Damagum was preparing to leave the PDP once his tenure as acting chairman ends after the party’s national convention, scheduled for August 28–30, 2025.

In a follow-up statement issued by his Personal Assistant, Nuru Jos, Damagum said the defection claims were part of a coordinated smear campaign by political forces who lost influence in the PDP’s recent North East zonal congress, and whose allies also failed to secure positions in Yobe State ward and local government congresses.

“This baseless report, authored by faceless individuals, was clearly fashioned to smear and defame the person and leadership of Ambassador Damagum,” the statement read.

“Unfortunately, a few disgruntled individuals, unable to deliver or prove their relevance within the party, have resorted to cheap blackmail in a desperate attempt to sabotage the efforts of the hardworking Acting National Chairman.”

The statement further accused the rumour-mongers of attempting to derail Damagum’s reconciliation efforts.

It added that their opposition was rooted in his refusal to allow impunity or pander to sectional interests.

“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 statement added.

“Their displeasure stems from his principled stand against the arbitrary removal of elected officers and his refusal to yield to sectional interests.”

Damagum reaffirmed that the PDP in Yobe State, under his influence, remains strong, united, and stable.

He emphasized his ongoing commitment to repositioning the party for the 2027 general elections, urging mischief-makers to drop their divisive antics.