Embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, on Thursday secured a major boost as 29 state chairmen reaffirmed their support for his leadership and dismissed a rival faction led by Abdurahman Muhammed.
The endorsement comes just days before the party’s national elective convention slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The resolution followed a meeting of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen held in Abuja, with 29 state leaders in attendance.
It was contained in a communiqué signed by Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Forum and Edo State PDP Chairman, and Edward Masha, Secretary of the Forum and Kaduna State PDP Chairman.
The chairmen restated their confidence in Damagum and the National Working Committee (NWC), praising the national leadership for steering the party toward greater stability and cohesion.
They also hailed the judiciary for the ruling delivered by Hon. Justice Akintola, which cleared the path for the upcoming convention.
“The Forum applauds the courageous and well-considered judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Akintola, which has paved the way for the conduct of the forthcoming National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State,” the communiqué stated.
The forum encouraged delegates recognized under the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended) to prepare actively for the convention and elect competent, credible, and loyal members into the next NWC.
“The Forum commends the effective and collaborative leadership being provided by the National Working Committee under Ambassador Umar Damagum, the PDP Governors’ Forum under His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed, and the Board of Trustees under His Excellency Senator Adolphus Wabara,” the communiqué added.
It noted that the cooperation among the NWC, the Governors’ Forum, and the Board of Trustees has been instrumental in stabilizing and repositioning the party.
The forum also emphasised the importance of internal discipline, urging state chapters to apply the relevant provisions of the party’s constitution against members whose conduct threatens unity and collective interest.
“The Forum emphasizes the critical importance of discipline within the Party and calls on all State Chapters not to hesitate in invoking the relevant provisions of the Party Constitution to discipline erring members whose conduct undermines unity, cohesion, and the collective interest of the PDP,” it stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to party unity, the forum rejected the alleged Abdurahman-led faction, insisting that there is only one legitimate national leadership under Damagum.
“The Forum in the same vein dissociates itself from the purported Abdurahman leadership and wants to categorically say that the PDP has only one National Chairman, His Excellency Umar Damagum,” it said.
It further noted that the presence of North Central chairmen at the meeting underscored the broad-based solidarity across all organs of the party.
PDP not dead — Damagum
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Umar Damagum expressed appreciation to the state chairmen for their unwavering support and reaffirmed his determination to strengthen the PDP after the convention.
He said the meeting was a clear indication that the opposition party remained vibrant despite its internal differences.
“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,” Damagum said.
He described the internal challenges facing the party as natural and surmountable, stressing that the PDP has always shown the ability to manage its internal affairs and respond to national issues.
“These challenges are good omen. 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,” he added.
Damagum also warned against acts of disloyalty, urging aggrieved members to reconcile and work for the unity of the party.
“I 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,” he warned.
He condemned political intimidation, saying Nigerians have the right to freely aspire and participate in governance without fear.
“Every citizen of this country has a right to aspire, has a right to explore whatever way he feels he wants to exercise his right. To those that think humiliation, intimidation and harassment will deter citizens, they are just jesters,” he said.
The PDP leader closed his address by invoking divine justice and expressing confidence that the Ibadan convention would mark a fresh start for the party.
“I invoke God here to look at us, look at our behaviours and do justice according to the way and manner we behave. I want to sincerely thank you and assure you that the train is moving to Ibadan. We will all be there by God’s grace,” he added.
With the backing of 29 state chairmen, Damagum appears to have consolidated his position ahead of the Ibadan convention, a development observers say could shape the PDP’s leadership direction in the months ahead.