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  • JUST IN: Convention ratifies Damagum as PDP substantive national chairman

    JUST IN: Convention ratifies Damagum as PDP substantive national chairman

    In what would be described as a sudden twist, Ambassador Umar Damagum has been unanimously confirmed as the substantive National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).

    The motion to the effect was moved by the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Edo chapter, who doubles as Chairman, Forum of State Chairmen, Hon. Tony Abineri on behalf of the 3,000 delegates at the 2025 Elective PDP Convention ongoing at the mainbowl of the Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

    The motion, which was seconded by Edward Marshal, is said to be in accordance with section 32 of the PDP Constitution as amended.

    Moving the motion, Abineri said: “I move the motion for the ratification of Ambassador Umaru Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the party.

    “This is in accordance with the Section 32 of the Constitution of the PDP as amended.”

  • Convention will bring turn around, say Makinde, Damagum

    Convention will bring turn around, say Makinde, Damagum

    Oyo Governor and host of the 2025 Elective National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Seyi Makinde and the factional National Chairman Illiya Damagum have called for calm.among the delegates as the voting comes underway.

    The duo made the appeal in a remark while addressing the delegates at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan on Saturday.

    Damagun, who appealed to the delegates for starting the Convention late, enjoined the delegates to stay calm as they go about the business of the day.

    He said it was an honour for the delegates to have travelled from far places all over Nigeria to be part of the convention, saying the decision shows their commitment to the party.

    He also urged the delegates to be peaceful in their conductwhile thanking the National Convention Organising Committee and host Governor for the efforts out in place to organise the Convention.

    He acknowledged all the BOT members, governors, leaders and members present at the Convention having arrived since Friday.

    He noted that the large turnout and presence of the youths and women at hteh Convention shows that the party belongs to the youths and women, thanking them for coming.

    He declared the 2025 Elective National Convention opened.

    Makinde assured that the Convention will be remembered as the one that brought about the turn around in the party nationally.

    He also urged the delegates to take advantage of the visit to the state to have a feel of the cuisine and hospitality that the state is known for.

  • War in PDP as factions suspend Damagum, Anyanwu, others

    War in PDP as factions suspend Damagum, Anyanwu, others

    • Ologunagba group move against Wike’s ally, legal adviser

    • National Secretary announces counter suspension of chairman, spokesman, others

    • Kaduna South Senator Katung dumps party, joins APC

    A fresh wave of suspension and counter suspension erupted in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday in the wake of the directive  of the Federal High Court Abuja  that   the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should disregard  the party’s national convention scheduled for later this month.

    Justice James Omotosho ,in a judgement on Friday ,said the party had failed to meet the requirements for calling a lawful national convention.

    The judgement sparked instant jubilation in the camp of   Federal Capital Territory  (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike ,and despair in the camp of national chairman of the party, Ambassador Umar Damagum and the PDP Governors Forum.

    Both camps soon went into separate meetings on their next line of action.

    By midday yesterday, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) led by Damagum announced the suspension of National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Deputy Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha and  National Organising Secretary Umaru Bature for one month.

    News of the suspension was broken by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba in a statement.

    Ologunagba said the case of the suspended officials had been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee.

    “During this period of the suspension, they cease to function in their respective capacities,” he said.

    He added: “ In the case of the National Secretary, Pursuant to Section 36(2) of our Party Constitution as amended in 2017, the Deputy National Secretary, Hon. Arc. Setonji Koshoedo shall act as the National Secretary. In the case of the National Legal Adviser and the Deputy National Legal Adviser, the National Director of Legal Services is hereby directed to oversee the activities of the Department.”

    Soon after, the Wike camp issued its own suspension order against  National Chairman Damagum, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and others for  ‘gross misconduct.’

    Senator Anyanwu, speaking at a press conference in Abuja  announced the party’s National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, as Acting National Chairman.

    He said  Damagum’s suspension was on account of  incompetence, financial misconduct, and disregard for court judgment.

     He is “suspended for one month and should face the Disciplinary Committee.”

    He said  Ologunagba was suspended  for issuing statements without the party’s approval.

    Also suspended, according to him, were  Deputy National Vice Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja,  National Financial Secretary  Daniel Woyenguikoro, National Youth Leader, Sulaiman Kadade, and Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo.

    All of them will be sent to the Disciplinary Committee to show cause why they should not be expelled,” Anyanwu said.

    Fayose congratulates Abdulrahman

    Former Governor of Ekiti State,  Ayodele Fayose, congratulated  the ‘new Acting National Chairman’ Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman.

    Fayose, urged Abdulrahman  to urgently bring peace and unity to the party  which, according to him, is  in urgent need of new direction.

    READ ALSO: Obi Cubana blames solo-ownership culture for African business failures

    Fayose, an ally of Wike, urged him to  “ unite the party and restore confidence in its members.”

    He added:”Most importantly, he should look into the shenanigans and injustice done in states like Ekiti and others with a view to correcting them in accordance with the party constitution and existing court pronouncements.

    “He should also be a team player and ensure the emergence of a new National Working Committee through a valid National Convention, which should be done immediately after outstanding congresses are held in states and zones, and those done against court judgements are revisited.”

    Some neutral party members said yesterday that the actions of the two camps could only damage the party further.

    Citing relevant sections of the PDP constitution, one party member who does not want his name in print, queried the legality of the suspensions as the ‘suspended’ chieftains were not given any opportunity to defend themselves.

    Section  57 of the PDP Constitution stipulates that the party’s Disciplinary Committee “may, after preliminary hearings, suspend a member from the Party for a period not exceeding one month, during which period the member so suspended shall lose his  right to contest any election.

    Sub-section 4 of the provision states further: “Where an allegation is made against a member of the Party, the  Disciplinary Committee shall inform the member in writing of the  allegations made against him and the place and time of hearing the  case against him or her

     “A member who appears before a Disciplinary Committee shall be given  opportunity to present his case orally or in writing either in person or  through a counsel of his choice and shall be allowed to call witnesses.

    Sub-section 6 of the provision states that: “Any decision taken against a member who has not been informed of the  charges against him or has not been given any opportunity of defending  himself shall be null and void.

    Also, sub-section 7 states thus: “Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no Executive  Committee at any level, except the National Executive Committee, shall  entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member  of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governors or members of  the National Assembly.”

    A party source said should the Damagum bloc which has the backing of the  PDP Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders succeed in replacing Anyanwu with the  Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo this time, it will be technically possible for the party to hold  its  national convention once he and Damagum forward a  formal letter to notify INEC of plans for an elective national convention.

    The latest wave of suspension and counter-suspension is similar to the drama that trailed the party’s loss of the 2023 presidential election.

    Between October 10 -11, 2024, two factions in the PDP NWC engaged in  suspension and counter suspension of officials.

    At that time, the then  Acting National Chairman Damagum and the National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu were locked in a faceoff with Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Ajibade who appeared to lean towards Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

     Ologunagba, in an October 10, 2024 statement announced the suspension of Damagum and Anyanwu from all meetings, activities and programs of the NWC pending the conclusion of investigation by the National Disciplinary Committee.

    According to Ologunagba: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has extensively considered the series of complaints raised against the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum and National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu particularly with regard to the letter addressed by them to the Court of Appeal in Appeal No:CA/PH/307/2024 against the Party’s position in the case involving the 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who vacated their seats upon decamping from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “The NWC condemned this anti-party activity of the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary which is in gross violation of the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and their Oath of Office.

    “Consequently, the NWC, pursuant to Sections 57, 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, has suspended Amb. Illiya Damagum and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party respectively and referred them to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action,” Ologunagba stated.

    Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Manga and the PDP National secretariat’s Director of Publicity, Chinese Nnorom came out with a counter statement the following day to say  Ologunagba and Kamaldeen had been suspended.

    According to Nnorom: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arising from its 593rd Meeting today, Thursday, October 10, 2024, has directed the National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Hon Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser (NLA), Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside, respectively.

    “As a result, the NWC constituted a committee to be chaired by the Deputy National Chairman (South) H.E. Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party.

    “Following the NWC’s Decision, it directed their respective deputies (DNPS and DNLA) to assume office in acting capacity with effect from Friday, October 11, 2014, pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee: the officers are Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, Esq, Acting National Publicity Secretary and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, Acting National Legal Adviser,” she stated.

    Immediately afterwards, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Manga issued a two-paragraph press statement which he signed as Acting National Publicity Secretary to announce his resumption in place of the ‘suspended  ‘Ologunagba.

    “Arising from its 593rd meeting,10th October,2024,the National Working Committee has suspended the National Publicity Secretary and the National Legal Adviser of the Party,pending the determination of allegations of DISLOYALTY and INSUBORDINATION levelled against the duo

    “In the meantime, the Deputies in the respective DIRECTORATES,Ibrahim Abdullahi and Barr Okechukwu Osuoha, have stepped-in in acting capacity,” he said.

    Gbajabiamila, Sani, Tajudeen receive PDP senators, others into APC

    President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff,Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila,Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and House of Representatives Speaker  Abbas Tajudeen yesterday received no fewer than 10 political heavyweights from the opposition PDP and their supporters in Southern Kaduna into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Gbajabiamila stood in for Tinubu at grand rally held in Kafanchan, headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area.

    Prominent among the defectors were Senator  Sunday Katung (PDP-Kaduna South), Rep. Daniel Amos (PDP-Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency), and Mr Ali Kalat, member representing Jema’a Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

    Gbajabiamila said the defections reflected the growing acceptance and goodwill of the APC across Kaduna State and the nation at large.

    He commended Gov. Uba Sani for his exemplary leadership and urged him to sustain efforts toward uniting and strengthening the party in the state.

    In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, described the development as historic, noting that Southern Kaduna had long been regarded as the stronghold of the PDP

    “For decades, they claimed ownership of your loyalty, your dreams, and your destiny. But today, that claim has ended, and the people have reclaimed their power,” Tajudeen said.

    He described the APC as a home of unity, inclusion, and progress and  President Tinubu as a leader with  action who keeps his word and delivers development .

    Also speaking, Sani said the defections signified a new dawn in the politics of Southern Kaduna and indeed Nigeria.

    He reiterated his commitment to governing with fairness and justice to all segments of the state, irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious affiliations.

    Sani added that while elections might divide, governance must unite, stressing that the focus of his administration was on development and service delivery.

    Speaking on behalf of the defectors,  Katung and Amos said their decision to join the APC was inspired by the developmental strides of President Tinubu’s administration in Southern Kaduna.

    They said they consulted widely with their constituents  who gave their blessings to align with the ruling party in order to attract more projects and opportunities to the zone.

    The lawmakers pledged to contribute their experience and influence toward strengthening the APC in Southern Kaduna and beyond.

  • JUST IN: PDP splits as Wike faction suspends Damagun, five others

    JUST IN: PDP splits as Wike faction suspends Damagun, five others

    A faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has announced the suspension of the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun and some members of the National Working Committee(NWC) of the party. 

    National Secretary of the party Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who was earlier suspended for alleged anti-party activities by the National Working Committee (NWC) after an emergency meeting, announced the suspension of Damagun and five other members of the NWC at a briefing on Saturday. 

    Anyanwu announced that the party’s National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman is to assume office immediately as the Acting National Chairman.

    He said: “Unfortunately, some people may say that the National Secretary, National Organising Secretary who has the responsibility of monitoring everything and the National Legal Adviser, who is responsible for all legal issues, were purportedly suspended.

    “On this note, we decided to suspend the National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ilya Damagum, for incompetence, financial misconduct and disregard for court judgment. He has been suspended for one month and should face the Disciplinary Committee.

    “Secondly, we also suspended the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for issuing statements without the party’s approval, and the Deputy National Vice Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, has also been suspended.

    “The National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyenguikoro, who has been involved in alleged financial misconduct, has also been suspended.

    “The National Youth Leader, Sulaiman Kadade, and the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, have also been suspended for 30 days. 

    “All of them will be sent to the Disciplinary Committee to show cause why they should not be expelled.

    “Therefore, we are announcing the National Vice Chairman (North Central) to serve as the Acting National Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman.”

    Details shortly…

  • Fresh crisis hits PDP as Damagum, Anyanwu forward conflicting letters to INEC

    Fresh crisis hits PDP as Damagum, Anyanwu forward conflicting letters to INEC

    • Chairman, Secretary differ over Plateau, Cross River, Kebbi state congresses
    • Legal implications threaten outcome of national convention
    • Party considers new date to end sale of nomination forms

    A fresh crisis is brewing within the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which may have grave implications for the party’s November 15-16 national convention in Ibadan, The Nation has learnt.

    Sources close to the party’s National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, confirmed at the weekend that the two party leaders have fired conflicting memos to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over party congresses in three states where contending interests are seeking to determine party leadership and gather delegate votes.

    “The implications may not be too good for our party’s future as ongoing frictions over few state congresses can get the scheduled national convention or its outcome all trussed up in serious litigations that can hamper hopes of early preparations for the 2027 elections,” a federal lawmaker told our correspondent.

    Findings indicate that after a meeting with few party leaders in his house, Damagum sent a letter to INEC on Thursday, September 25, stating that state congresses scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025 in Cross River, Plateau and Kebbi states had been postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances and operational logistic challenges.”

    Damagum’s letter indicated that the decision to postpone state congresses in the three states was that of the PDP National Working Committee.

    He also stated that a new date would be determined and communicated to INEC in due course.

    “The National Working Committee of our great party hereby postpones the state congresses in Cross River, Plateau and Kebbi states. A new date will be communicated to the Commission,” he stated.

    However, the following day, Friday, 26th September, PDP National Secretary Anyanwu, who did not attend the meeting with Damagum, countered with another letter to INEC indicating that state congresses will proceed as scheduled in the three states and asked that Damagum’s letter be ignored by INEC.

    Emphasising legal provisions in the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution, Anyanwu asserted that any purported party correspondence to INEC without the signatures of both the National Chairman and National Secretary is of no effect whatsoever.

    He further told INEC that in view of earlier effective communication by the party, the party congress in the three states will go on as scheduled.

    “This is to confirm to the Commission that the congress will hold as originally scheduled and has not been postponed. The earlier letter signed by the National Chairman should be ignored,” Anyanwu stated.

    There are concerns that if the contending interests on either side fail to resolve the issue, delegates from the affected states may approach the courts to either stop the national convention or invalidate its outcome on the basis that they were unduly prevented from exercising their right to vote.

    Party considers new date to end sale of nomination forms

    Amidst ongoing power dynamics as the opposition party prepares for its November 15-16 national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, the party’s National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) has shifted the deadline for some activities indefinitely.

    Read Also: INEC clears 65 candidates from 17 parties for 2026 FCT area council elections

    The move appears focused on getting more aspirants to show interest in various positions.

    A statement issued at the weekend by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, who is also the Secretary of the PDP NCOC Publicity Sub-Committee, gave no new dates for the two activities.

    Ologunagba stated: “The National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) of the PDP has extended the deadline for the submission of completed Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for aspirants contesting in the November 15th to 16th 2025 Elective National Convention of the party in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital from the earlier announced date of Friday, September 26th, 2025.

    “In the same vein, the NCOC has approved the shifting of the date for the Screening of Aspirants for the National Convention from the earlier scheduled date of Tuesday, September 30th, 2025.

    “The extension is necessitated by the need to ensure all necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the exercise.

    “New dates will be communicated in due course.

    “All aspirants should note the extension and be guided accordingly.”

  • JUST IN: PDP zones presidency to south, confirms Damagum as national chairman

    JUST IN: PDP zones presidency to south, confirms Damagum as national chairman

    After a series of closed-door meetings involving key organs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

    In the same development, Ambassador Umar Damagum has been confirmed as the substantive National Chairman of the party.

    This was disclosed in a communiqué read by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, following Monday’s meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

    “NEC received and, after extensive deliberation, approved the report of the National Convention Zoning Committee, which recommended as follows,” Ologunagba said.

    *That all PDP National Office positions currently in the Northern Region of the country remain in the Northern Region.

    *That all PDP National Office positions currently in the Southern Region of the country remain in the Southern Region.

    *That having retained the position of the National Chairman in the Northern Region of the country, the Presidential Candidate of the Party for the 2027 General Election is hereby zoned to the Southern Region.

    *That the Regions should immediately micro-zone positions within its Region for implementation.

    Giving immediate effect to the implications of the decisions, Damagum was sworn in by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Ajibade swore in Damagum as substantive National Chairman.

    At the end of PDP’s 102nd NEC meeting, they further resolved as follows:

    “NEC expressed satisfaction over the level of preparedness of the Party at its various Organs, Chapters and Structures for the 2025 Elective National Convention scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital on Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th November 2025.

    “NEC acknowledged with satisfaction the efforts and commitment of PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Assembly Caucus and other relevant bodies of the Party towards the success of the forthcoming 2025 National Convention at Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

    “NEC also received update from the PDP Constitution Amendment Committee and directed the Committee to circulate the Draft Constitution Amendment to various Organs and Chapters of the Party for further inputs.

    “In recognition of the efforts of the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum in stabilizing the Party, NEC hereby ratifies and confirms the appointment of Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the Party with effect from today, Monday, 25th August, 2025 until the National Convention holding at Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital on 15th to 16th November, 2025,” they stated.

    Alleging that the ruling APC has an agenda to ‘to turn our country into a totalitarian one-party state’, the PDP NEC gave a r3reassurance that the party will work harder towards repositioning itself, to regain power in 2027 while its next (103rd) meeting is to hold on Wednesday, 15th October, 2025

    During the PDP NEC meeting at Wadata Plaza on Monday, about one thousand supporters of the former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, stormed the venue, with placards expressing their demand that he declares interest in the 2027 presidential election.

    The jubilant crowd, clad in colorful vests and face caps, carried bold banners and sang solidarity songs in support of the business mogul and politician, describing him as “a credible alternative and a unifier the nation urgently needs at this critical time.”

    Read Also: PDP confirms Damagum as chairman until November

    The rally was coordinated by three major support groups: Hashim Unity Group, led by Hon. Musa Makanda, former Speaker of Bwari Area Council; The Hashims, led by Mr. Sunday Tsado; and Hashim Advocates, led by Mallam Abba, former PDP youth leader in the FCT in 1999.

    Speaking at the gathering, the group leaders said Dr. Hashim embodies the finest qualities of leadership within the PDP vision, integrity, and a consistent track record of advocacy for democracy and good governance.

    They urged the party leadership to emulate his political conduct and prepare him as the PDP flagbearer ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    In a related development, PDP youth leaders from the 36 states of Nigeria had, in the past week, formally welcomed Dr. Hashim to the party.

     The youths also called on other party leaders to emulate him in his support for the youths of the party as the PDP prepares for 2027.

  • PDP confirms Damagum as chairman until November

    PDP confirms Damagum as chairman until November

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the party until its elective national convention scheduled for November.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the confirmation was one of the key resolutions reached during the ongoing 102nd NEC meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    Damagum took the oath of office during the meeting, administered by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, in accordance with Article 65 of the PDP Constitution.

    The decision came less than three months before the PDP’s national convention, slated to hold from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    In his acceptance speech, Damagum expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership for the confidence reposed in him and the National Working Committee (NWC).

    “Before now, I thought all we were doing was not being appreciated.

    Read Also: Abbas, Damagum, Yilwatda slam ADC coalition

    “This gesture is not just for me, but for the entire NWC. I owe it to them.

    “To have navigated this party this far, we came in at a time when things were very hard, but to the glory of God, we are still intact as one indivisible party,” he added.

    Damagum had assumed the role of acting national chairman on March 28, 2023, following a Benue State High Court order that confirmed the removal of former Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

    At the time, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced Damagum’s appointment, citing Section 45 (2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

    Prior to his appointment, Damagum served as the PDP Deputy National Chairman (North). (NAN)

  • Ambition clouded reasoning of some defectors, says Damagum

    Ambition clouded reasoning of some defectors, says Damagum

    Acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum, has said that excessive ambition may have impaired the judgment of some party members who recently defected to other political parties.

    Speaking at the Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting on Thursday at the PDP national headquarters in Abuja, Damagum noted that those leaving the party at this time may be driven more by personal aspirations than rational political calculation.

    “With those who feel they will go at this particular time, it’s really sad. But when ambition clouds reason, then there’s a problem,” Damagum stated.

    Echoing this sentiment, former Kaduna State Governor and Secretary of the PDP BoT, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, called for restraint in how party members discuss internal matters and defectors, urging unity as the party moves towards its national convention.

    Damagum, however, expressed optimism about the party’s direction, saying the just-concluded PDP National Caucus meeting held on Wednesday night was harmonious and devoid of conflict — a sign of a new beginning for the party.

    “A new era has come for us, a new dawn. After the caucus meeting yesterday, we were even surprised that there were no contending voices. But that’s the beauty of it,” he said.

    He stressed the PDP’s legacy and its role as a stabilising force in Nigeria’s democracy, urging members to remain proud and committed to the party’s ideals.

    Makarfi, who delivered the BoT Chairman’s address in place of Senator Adolphus Wabara, said while some members had left, their return remained possible — especially if the party’s current repositioning is successful.

    Read Also: PDP not shaken by Atiku’s exit – Damagum

    “For one reason or the other, some of our friends and associates have left us. But I don’t believe they have left us for good. The success of our actions can bring them back — and bring in others too,” he said.

    He cautioned against inflammatory public statements, reminding members to distinguish between personal opinions and official party positions.

    “Some people cannot be working to rebuild the party while others are trying to de-market it. There’s a difference between personal opinion and party position,” Makarfi said.

    Both leaders agreed that the upcoming national convention is a critical opportunity to send a strong message to Nigerians and unify the party, calling for discipline, reconciliation, and collective effort.

  • Damagum: those who left PDP ‘will run back’

    Damagum: those who left PDP ‘will run back’

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Acting National Chairman  Umar Ilyas Damagum expressed confidence  yesterday that the party members who defected  would   ‘’run back.’’

    Damagun hinged his belief on the return of unity to the PDP leadership and therefore advised members contemplating leaving the nation’s main opposition party to have a rethink. 

    He said: “To those who are contemplating, they should not go. They have no place for you there.  There’s nowhere that will be as accommodating as our party.

    “But if they feel like going ahead, I wish them good luck, but I know that those who left will come running back.’’

    Damagum spoke after   PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting at the party’s Wadata Plaza national secretariat in Abuja.

    The three-hour meeting, which virtually saw all the NWC feuding members exchanging pleasantries before and after deliberations. 

     The members included the  National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who sat beside Damagun;  Vice Chairman  ( South East), Chief Ali Odefa; National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba; Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Deputy National Secretary,    Setonji Koshoedo and   National Legal Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN).

    READ ALSO: Nigeria oil rigs increase to 44, says NUPRC

    Among the decisions reached by the NWC was for the    National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party scheduled to hold from July 23  to  25 to proceed.

    The acting national chairman, who expressed happiness that the PDP is now  ‘’firm on the ground,’’  had a warning message for members, who, according to him, de-market the party.    

    “I want to re-emphasise that if you are a member of Peoples Democratic Party, we are drawing a line for those who go to demarket the party; we are watching them and we will take appropriate actions at the right time.

    “If you believe in this party, you should be an ambassador who protects the fortunes that this party has given to the citizens of this country when it was there (in power).” 

    Damagum also said that now that the main opposition party is ‘’very, very intact,’’ any attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate and buy over its members would fail.

    He said: “To our members, I want to bring good tidings that your party is very, very intact. To the APC, I want to send a message that you can continue to harass and buy our members, but the 2027 election is between Nigerians and you, so it is better to start now and correct your ways.”

    “Hunger, insecurity, and arbitrary expulsion of Nigerians are  more than overwhelming.’’

     The PDP acting chairman, who noted that the party could not be conquered, said that it had mastered the art of conflict resolution.

    “We know our problems, and we solve them within ourselves. As you can see, we are all here as the NWC of this party.

    “We remain united despite all the challenges. We have sat down to discuss all thorny issues and thrashed them out today(yesterday).

    “Our leaders have already come together to give us this leadership, this is what you can see in this NWC, and I keep reiterating  that this is the only party in the country that has lasted this long.’’

  • Coalition: Those who left PDP will return  – PDP NWC

    Coalition: Those who left PDP will return  – PDP NWC

     …We’ll be watching those de-marketing PDP, says Damagum

    The acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, has expressed strong confidence that members who recently defected to join a political coalition will eventually return to the party.

    Speaking after a three-hour meeting of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, Damagum declared that the NWC has regained its unity and strength. 

    He was flanked by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    The NWC also resolved to convene the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, alongside other key party organ meetings, as a three-day event scheduled from July 23 to 25.

    Addressing concerns over defections, Damagum urged those considering leaving the PDP to reconsider, noting that the party remains the most accommodating platform for true democrats.

    “To those that are contemplating, they should not go. They have no place there, and there’s nowhere that will be as accommodating as our party,” he said. “But if they feel like going ahead, I wish them good luck — but I know they will come running back.”

    He warned against actions aimed at demarketing the PDP, saying the party is monitoring such individuals and would take appropriate action when necessary.

    Reaffirming the PDP’s resilience, Damagum said attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate or lure PDP members will fail in the build-up to the 2027 elections.

    “To our members, I want to bring good tidings that your party is very, very intact; to APC, I want to send a message that you can continue to harass and buy our members but the 2027 election is between Nigerians and you so, it is better to start now and correct your ways.

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    “Hunger, insecurity, arbitrary expulsion of Nigerians is more than overwhelming.

    “As you can see, we are all here as your NWC, as the NWC of this party; we remain united despite all the challenges and we have sat down to discuss all thorny issues and trash it out today.

    “Our leaders have already come together to give us this leadership, this is what you can see in this NWC and I keep reiterating that this is the only party in the country that has lasted this long; we have mastered the act of conflict resolution, we know our problems and we solve it within ourselves,” Damagum said.

    All the members of the PDP NWC who were at daggers drawn against one another few weeks ago were exchanging pleasantries at the meeting, including the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Vice Chairman ( South East), Chief Ali Odefa, National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Timothy Arapaja, Deputy National Secretary, Architect Setonji Koshoedo and the National Legal Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN).

    Damagum flatly declined reporters’ request to take few questions after his short briefing.