By Okechukwu Jombo
Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Iliya Damagum, has called on the party to take its place as the leading opposition party and dismantle the coalition that is gathering.
Damagum made the call at the party’s 101 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
According to him, the PDP remains the only party that is not only poised and ready to take back power, but also the only party with the structure, national acceptability, and legacy capable of bearing the weight of this great national undertaking.
“To close this matter, I believe that all of us look forward to the total dismantling of this ill-fated coalition, even as we extend our best wishes to those involved,” he said.
Speaking further he said the party has solved its problems and is ready to challenge the All Progressives Congress APC in 2027 for the power to form government. He thanked every leader who has made time to be present at the meeting which was well attended.
According to him “Let me begin by appreciating our state party chairpersons, who are the first line of defence in our democratic struggle. It is from your leadership that our grassroots structures are nurtured and sustained.
“Your resilience, especially in states where we are in opposition, is commendable. We recognise the burdens you carry and salute your unwavering commitment to the party. You are comrades in the trenches of democracy.
“I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Minority Leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as all our legislators in the National Assembly. You have represented the values of our party with integrity and tenacity. I must emphasize that it is because of your steadfastness that when we eventually reclaim the presidency, the next PDP president will not be a political orphan left to the mercy of hostile forces.
Beyond electoral victories, our legislators play a crucial role in both governance and party life. Through your actions, anti-people policies are challenged and checked. You serve as role models to our state assembly members, who themselves are doing tremendous work delivering the dividends of representative democracy and supporting the executive arm in PDP-led states.
“To our governors, our pride and our strength, you are the crown on our head. You remain the backbone of this party, and without your leadership and sacrifice, we would be left exposed. We are indeed fortunate to have you”, he added.
Six 6 Governors namely Bauchi, Zamfara, Plateau, Osun, Taraba and Adamawa were in attendance.
