The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, chairman Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, and other stakeholders, Monday, allayed fears over the spate of defections in the party ahead of the 2027 election, saying there is no cause for alarm.
They said this in Abuja at the inauguration of the new BoT members at the Wadata national secretariat of the party.
Represented by Chief Setonji Kosheodo, Damagum lauded the BoT for inviting the National Working Committee (NWC) to be part of the occasion.
A list of the new inductees includes former Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue state, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state, Lucky Igbinedion of Edo state and Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger state.
Also making the list are former Kano state Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, former National Vice Chairman of the party in the South West, Eddy Olafeso, former Minister of Information Labaran Maku, former Minister of National Planning, Mohammed Daggash, former Ogun state governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, Awaal Tukur from Adamawa state, Chief Onikepo Oshodi (Lagos), and Nimota Ibrahim (Kwara) among others.
It was gathered that about 85 of the 127 PDP BoT members had ceased participating in party activities, hence the need for new members to step in and breathe life into the major opposition party in the face of many challenges plaguing it.
Speaking at the inauguration, Damagum described the BoT as the conscience of the party, saying the Constitution entrusts it with the great responsibility of guiding the PDP; not just as Nigeria’s leading party but as a beacon for Africa.
“We in the NWC are here as your chief servants, ready to rely on your advice and guidance. We assure you of our full support in ensuring the smooth running of the party.
“Congratulations to the nominees. This is a day of joy and celebration for all of us. We look forward to the time when more members of the party, including ourselves, will ascend to this esteemed body. Thank you for your contributions and for upholding the values of the PDP,” he said.
*Wabara expresses optimism
Also speaking, the BoT chair, Senator Wabara said he was overwhelmed that the party still has a retinue of quality Nigerians in its fold.
Wabara said: “The board of trustees has always contended that the PDP shall not die. This is manifesting itself now. The God of PDP never sleeps and will never sleep. It is a great honour and privilege to stand before you today as we come together to witness the inauguration of new members from their respective states and zones to the board of trustees of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party, in line with section 321F and G of the party’s constitution as amended in 2027.
“This occasion is not only a celebration of a new beginning, but also a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to the values and principles that define our party.
“Today, we are welcoming a distinguished group of individuals whose dedication, experience and unwavering loyalty to the PDP have earned them a place on this prestigious board. Your appointment to the board of trustees is a call to service, a call to uphold the integrity, unity and vision of our party as we continue to strive for a more prosperous and democratic Nigeria.
“As custodians of the party’s conscience, the BoT plays a critical role in providing wise counsel, fostering stability, and ensuring that our decisions align with the core objectives of the PDP.
“Your role as members of the Board is not only to guide and support the leadership of the party but also to act as a stabilising force in times of challenges and uncertainties.
“Today’s inauguration is particularly significant as we prepare to navigate the evolving political landscape and work tirelessly to restore the PDP as the foremost party in Nigeria. The task ahead is demanding, but with unity, determination, and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, we shall overcome.”
“PDP is not dead, so let us continue to work together to uphold the vision of our founding fathers, and to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more progressive party. Together, we shall lead our party to new heights of success and relevance in the Nigerian political landscape,” he added.
*We‘ll stay the course
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated BoT members, Mr. Olafeso said the inauguration marked a fresh start for the PDP.
Olafeso said: “This marks a new beginning for our party, a regeneration of its glorious past, and a commitment to ensuring that, from this moment on, the PDP can effectively serve as a strong opposition party across the country. We are bringing in new ideas, new people, and a new orientation.
“With the quality of leadership and the heritage of our past, we can make Nigeria better than it is today. We are all excited to go back to work, and that’s exactly what we will do.
“Many of us have stood firm for the PDP for over 20 years, and we won’t stray from that path. We aim to restore the party’s glorious past, where people can send their children to school, where insecurity is a thing of the past, and where the economy and employment issues start to improve.”
Also speaking to newsmen after the inauguration, one of the new BoT members, Hon Jones Onyeriri from Imo state, described the epoch occasion as cheering and exciting, adding: “This shows that we are still strong with the caliber of people still holding our great party together.
“For me that some people are leaving the party is still not a big problem, even Jesus Christ at a time had some of his disciples who defected.
“So, for me, it is a sign that we are nearer to our crown. We have taken over and are still strong. Nobody is sabotaging the party. Please trust me on this as anyone who is doing that is already out of the party,” Onyeriri said.
