As internal wrangling and looming defections threaten the cohesion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, has issued a clear directive to members accused of engaging in dual political affiliations: recommit fully to the PDP or leave the party.
Speaking at the Consultative Conference of Founding Fathers and Stakeholders on Wednesday at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, Damagum cautioned against what he described as the growing trend of “coalition politics,” asserting that it undermines the unity and ideological clarity of the party.
The gathering brought together key party figures including governors, lawmakers, former leaders, and critical stakeholders.
In his address, Damagum emphasized that the PDP would no longer accommodate individuals involved in double allegiances, calling it a major cause of disunity within the party.
He appealed to such members to return to the PDP fold if they still believe in its vision, but warned that those intending to leave should do so transparently without maligning the party that helped actualize their political ambitions.
Recalling the sacrifices made by the PDP’s founding leaders such as Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, and Professor Jerry Gana, Damagum described the party as a product of national struggle against dictatorship.
He stressed that the PDP remains the only political platform capable of restoring inclusive, democratic governance in Nigeria—if members can set aside differences and recommit to collective discipline.
He acknowledged that while internal reconciliation efforts had consumed significant time, the moment had come for the party to move beyond rhetoric and implement meaningful reforms that would reposition it ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporting Damagum’s position, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, urged party members not to be swayed by the lure of smaller, unstructured political platforms.
He warned against deserting a national party with a deep-rooted legacy for others lacking institutional presence and history.
He pointed out that despite the betrayals that led to PDP’s loss in 2015, many defectors were welcomed back—only to later contribute to the party’s instability.
He emphasized the need for ideological consistency and praised PDP governors such as Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) for their exemplary governance.
Also present at the event was former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, who cautioned against abandoning the PDP out of frustration.
Sharing personal reflections, Saraki urged aggrieved members to remain and participate in rebuilding the party, stressing that internal disagreements can be resolved through fairness and inclusivity.
According to Saraki, the PDP’s strength lies in its historical ability to recover from internal crises, a trait he believes can help the party restore its relevance and reclaim its leadership role in national politics.
The conference, widely viewed as a significant step toward PDP’s restructuring ahead of its upcoming National Convention, ended with a unified call for ideological clarity, party loyalty, and effective opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
