…inaugurates national convention committee
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, warned party members to beware of those working to destabilise the party, ahead of 2027 general elections.
Umar Damagum, the party National Chairman gave the warning while Inaugurating the main National Convention Organizing Committee ahead of the November 15 and 16, 2025 elective convention slated for Ibadan in Oyo State.
Damagum, who applauded preparations for the convention, added that the Inauguration was part of efforts at strengthening and sustaining the party through the instrumentality of balloting.
He commended the Committee made up of 110 members, having Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State as Chairman; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State as Vice Chairman and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as Secretary, for agreeing to take up their roles.
He said, “Their competence to undertake this task is well known and unquestionable, and they also reflect the diversity and unity of our PDP family.
“I am confident that with your wealth of experience and commitment, you will discharge this mandate with diligence, fairness, and excellence.
“We must recognize the challenges we face, as the leading oppositions are mutating, much to the dismay of well-meaning Nigerians
“The faction that broke out has not garnered much traction, we know that politics is dynamic, and the ruling class may seek to capitalize on or even sponsor such distractions to weaken and destabilise the PDP, which remains the only dominant opposition party in our dear country, Nigeria.”
Damagum lamented however, that many of the destructive voices had come from individuals who had benefited immensely from the PDP.
“They sought to sow division and weaken our structures. Yet history will record, and analysts will debate, but the consensus will remain that in a time of great difficulty, this National Working Committee, under my leadership, held the line and did a remarkable job”, he added.
The PDP Chairman noted that he had laboured with sincerity and utmost commitment to steady the ship of the party.
“In this period, we have pursued reconciliation, worked to reposition our structures, and ensured that despite challenges, the PDP remains the leading voice of the opposition and the enduring hope of millions of Nigerians. On this, we have succeeded”, he noted.
He described the committee’s assignment as critical”, adding that “The recent by-elections across the country, as well as the local government elections in Port Harcourt, speak for themselves.
“Opposition parties were met with intimidation and blatant rigging. The ruling party has shown no regard for democracy; their only interest lies in disenfranchising voters and stealing mandates.
“I will not dignify their actions by calling it ‘winning.’ Just as during the military era, when the founding fathers of our great party courageously accepted the responsibility of challenging the existing power structure, today we, too, accept this responsibility—to rescue Nigeria’s democracy from undemocratic forces and to save our nation from this ongoing bastardization.”
He therefore, charged the Committee to ensure fairness, equity, justice, and unity of purpose be your guiding principles. Let us set aside personal grievances and ambitions that do not serve the collective interest.
Governor Fintiri, Chairman of the Committee, assured that the members would not disappoint, saying, “I want you to know that this committee is chaired by a credible, a resolute, a fair Chairman.”
He called on PDP members to show respect for the party ” that has positioned us into where we have found ourselves individually in this country.
“Let us not be taking all our problems to the media. I am ready to accommodate all your fears whatever you will ask for, the secretary of the committee is there. We are not going to stop anybody from contesting whatever position that you feel fit to contest but then you have to do it with decorum.
“Come and buy the form, we will sell it for you, so that you can test your might, test your popularity. If you want, you can start going around the states to do your campaign but to be taking all our matters to the media, since we have a leadership of the party; I think it is unbecoming, too embarrassing to even go so far.
“Please let us respect ourselves, let us respect each other and ensure that whatever we are doing, is what will take this party to a greater height.”
