Abdulrahman Muhammad, acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Friday vowed to end impunity, manipulation, and disregard for the party’s constitution, promising a new era of accountability and transparency.
Muhammad made the remarks during the inauguration of the party’s new Board of Trustees (BoT) at the official residence of Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, describing the event as “a symbol of rebirth” and a turning point for the party.
Muhammad, formerly the national vice chairman (North Central), assumed office following the suspension of former national chairman, Umar Damagum by a faction of the party led by Senator Sam Anyanwu.
The suspension cleared the way for Muhammad’s appointment as acting chairman.
In his address, Muhammad said the PDP had lost its moral balance over the years due to internal disunity and disregard for court orders.
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“For too long, impunity became culture, and internal democracy became an afterthought. But today, we have reached the point of renewal,” he said.
He urged party members to reflect on past mistakes, noting that the party’s decline “did not start yesterday” but began when zoning principles were ignored before the 2015 elections.
“Today marks a significant turning point in the life of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“We have come together not merely to inaugurate a new Board of Trustees, but to renew our faith in the ideals that gave birth to this political family justice, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law,” he said.
Muhammad told the new BoT members that their roles were “not a reward for loyalty; it is a trust. The responsibility before you is to speak truth to power, defend justice, and ensure that the PDP remains a home for all Nigerians.”
He promised that under the new leadership, the party would conduct congresses transparently, respect court judgments, and restore public confidence.
“We cannot continue to hide under the old excuse that ‘party matters are internal affairs.’ Internal affairs must operate under constitutional order. Party autonomy cannot mean lawlessness,” he said.
Muhammad concluded with a call for unity and reform. “Let history record that when the PDP stood at the edge of the precipice, men and women of goodwill rose to pull it back. Let it be written that we chose reform over rebellion, truth over silence, and principle over politics.”
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The event was attended by members of the National Working Committee, party stakeholders, and members of the media.
The newly inaugurated Board of Trustees is expected to begin consultations immediately to stabilise the party and prepare for upcoming elections.
Following the inauguration, Muhammad held a closed-door meeting with key party members, including former Governor Samuel Ortom, PDP National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu, and former Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
