Why I Refrained from Punishing Erring PDP Members, Damagum Explains
The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has revealed that his decision to refrain from sanctioning some erring party members was a deliberate move to preserve the unity and stability of the opposition party.
Speaking on Wednesday at the meeting of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) in Abuja, Damagum admitted that he came under intense pressure from various quarters to discipline certain individuals accused of anti-party activities and internal sabotage. However, he explained that his approach was guided by a desire to maintain peace and cohesion within the party rather than deepen existing divisions.
“I have taken certain decisions and made compromises, not because I am weak or afraid to act, but because I believe the overall interest of the party must come first,” Damagum stated. “Sometimes leadership requires patience, and sometimes, it means absorbing pressure for the greater good of the family.”
The PDP chairman also assured stakeholders that despite initial legal and logistical challenges, the party’s 2025 Elective National Convention will go ahead as scheduled.
He emphasized that the leadership has put measures in place to ensure a transparent and credible process that will strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
“We are already working to resolve all pending issues that could affect the smooth conduct of the convention. The PDP will emerge stronger, more united, and better positioned to reclaim power,” he added.
Damagum’s remarks come amid ongoing concerns within the party over unresolved disciplinary issues and internal disagreements in some state chapters.
His conciliatory tone appeared aimed at reassuring party elders and loyalists that efforts are being made to reconcile warring factions and restore confidence in the party’s leadership.
The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has been grappling with internal crises since its loss in the 2023 general elections, with calls from some quarters for a more assertive leadership approach.
