National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, has announced that the party’s much-anticipated 2025 Elective National Convention will proceed as planned following a favourable court ruling.
Speaking at the Board of Trustees meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Damagum said the judgment delivered on November 4 by Justice Akintola had affirmed the PDP’s constitutional right to conduct its internal democratic processes without interference.
According to him, the ruling is a courageous stand for democracy at a time when the nation’s judiciary is facing pressure and intimidation. “His judgment is not just a victory for our party, but for democracy itself,” Damagum stated.
The PDP boss recalled the internal divisions that challenged the party following the 2023 general elections, noting that his leadership chose reconciliation over vindictiveness in order to preserve party unity.
He stressed that every decision he made as Acting National Chairman was in the interest of the party’s survival, not for any individual or faction. “I chose the Party not individuals, not factions, but the enduring institution of the PDP that shall outlive us all,” he said.
Damagum urged the incoming National Working Committee to embrace courage and integrity as Nigeria faces mounting economic pressures, security concerns, and fears of foreign interference.
He emphasised that the PDP must demonstrate leadership even in opposition, championing the urgent task of rebuilding the nation.
The meeting of the Board of Trustees, he stated, was convened to chart a clear direction for the upcoming convention and resolve all pending issues.
While acknowledging the challenges of being in opposition in the current political climate, Damagum praised party members who have remained committed and refused to abandon democratic ideals.
He called for unity of purpose as the party prepares for the future. “As always, I ask for sincere deliberations, good faith arguments, and unity of purpose, for the good of our great party and the nation we all serve,” he added.
