By Our Reporter , Abuja
The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has called on party leaders and members to unite and prepare for the task of “rescuing Nigeria,” stressing that the PDP still has a vital role to play despite being in opposition.
Damagum made the call in Abuja on Wednesday at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge during an emergency meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT).
The meeting, attended by key party leaders including Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, Acting National Secretary Koshedo Setonji, former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, and ex-Minister Tanimu Turaki, was convened to finalise preparations for the party’s national elective convention slated for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The convention had earlier faced uncertainty following a ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining the PDP from proceeding with the event, citing procedural violations. However, relief came on Tuesday when Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court gave the party the go-ahead and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor the exercise.
Addressing members, Damagum commended Justice Akintola’s “courageous” decision, describing it as a victory for democracy and rule of law.
“In an era of judicial intimidation, it takes bravery to stand for truth and defend the law,” he said. “His judgment is not just a victory for our party but for democracy itself.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Damagum said he met a deeply divided party when he assumed leadership and focused on reconciliation rather than punishment.
“Some misunderstood my refusal to sanction members as weakness. But every decision I made was for the survival and unity of the PDP,” he said.
He urged members to remain steadfast, saying, “We don’t need to be in power to begin the mission to rescue and rebuild Nigeria. That mission starts now, even in opposition.”
Damagum also took a swipe at some former party stalwarts who defected to the ruling party, accusing them of abandoning their ideals for personal gain.
“It is not easy to be in opposition, but loyalty in tough times defines true commitment,” he added.
Earlier, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara urged members to put aside their differences and focus on reconciliation ahead of the Ibadan convention.
“The tensions and misunderstandings we’ve witnessed are not reflective of the PDP’s ideals. The time has come to turn a new page and show maturity through unity,” Wabara said.
He emphasised that no personal ambition or factional interest should override the collective goal of strengthening the PDP as the main opposition platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
At the end of the meeting, the BoT issued a communiqué reaffirming its support for the Damagum-led National Working Committee, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and other organs of the party.
The BoT also inaugurated a reconciliation committee chaired by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, with former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mike Oghiadomhe, as secretary. Other members include Ugochukwu Okeke (South East), Zaynab Kure (North Central), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (South West), and Lubna Gusau (North West).
The committee is expected to report back to the BoT on November 11, 2025, ahead of the convention in Ibadan.
