PDP State Chairmen Support Umar Damagum’s Leadership
The Forum of State PDP Chairmen has publicly declared its unwavering support for the leadership of Umar Damagum, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), amidst the ongoing leadership crisis within the party. This declaration came after a meeting held in Abuja, where the chairmen also commended the efforts of Justice Ladiran Akintola from the Oyo State High Court for granting the party permission to proceed with its scheduled November 15 Ibadan National Elective Convention.
In a communique released to the media following the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum and Edo State PDP Chairman, Honourable Tony Aziegbemi, emphasized the importance of enforcing party discipline, unity, and the commitment of all members to safeguard the opposition party’s interests.
The communique stated, “The Forum unequivocally reaffirms its total support, confidence, and loyalty to the National Chairman of our great Party, Ambassador Umar Damagun, and the entire National Working Committee (NWC).”
It further praised the judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Akintola, which allowed the PDP to move forward with the convention. The forum urged all delegates, as outlined in the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), to prepare diligently for the event and to elect credible, competent, and loyal individuals into the National Working Committee.
The Forum also distanced itself from the camp led by Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, who is currently acting as the national chairman. It explicitly stated that the PDP has only one National Chairman, His Excellency Umar Damagun.
Umar Damagum Expresses Confidence in PDP’s Future
During the meeting, Umar Damagum expressed his satisfaction that the PDP had continued to thrive despite the challenges posed by those he referred to as “devil” figures attempting to undermine the party. He highlighted the support from grassroots leaders like the state chairmen as a sign of Nigerians’ confidence in the PDP’s ability to overcome its setbacks and reclaim power in 2027.
Damagum said, “People are saying the PDP is dead. Today, in Nigeria, the story is about PDP. So you don’t say a story of something that does not exist. This is an attestation that PDP is alive. PDP is ready.”
He added, “PDP is a vehicle that knows how to navigate the challenges within our fold and also solve the challenges that are bedeviling us in this country.”
A Warning Against Treachery
Speaking further, Damagum referenced an unnamed “devil” within the party and advised those involved to exercise wisdom. He warned that treachery, especially towards an institution that has contributed to their success, would not be forgiven.
He said, “I want to use this opportunity to call on our colleagues that the devil is using, to see wisdom in casting the devil in them because treachery, especially to an institution that has made you what you are today, will not heal.”
Damagum emphasized the law of Karma, stating, “You may be lucky now, but there is law of Karma. What goes around comes around. I think it is not late to see the need to do justice to this party that has given you all.”
He concluded with a spiritual message, stating, “Sometimes, when I resort to the ways of God, people think it is weakness. We exist because God exists. We owe everything that we do to him. He is watching us. He will judge us by our behavior. I will leave this on this note. They say a word is enough for us.”
Upcoming Meetings and Developments
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the state chairmen have planned a meeting for Thursday evening in Abuja to discuss the latest developments within the party and strategize ahead of the Ibadan convention. As of 6:34 pm, the meeting had yet to begin.