…says PDP remains the party to beat in 2027

By John Alechenu, Abuja

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has disowned the South-South Zonal Congress organized by loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Calabar, Cross River State, on February 22.

In his first public statement on the controversial congress, Damagum emphasized that the PDP had not conducted any official congress in the South-South zone, as the tenure of the previous executives had only recently expired.

Speaking during the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee in Abuja on Thursday, Damagum clarified the party’s position.

“This is a very important occasion, and I want to use this opportunity to make it clear that, as far as the PDP is concerned, no election has taken place in the South-South,” he said.

“The tenure of the zonal committee has expired, and we still have a few weeks or about a month before conducting the zonal congresses. In the meantime, we found it necessary to set up this caretaker committee.

“I have known and worked with some of you before, and I have no doubt that you will diligently execute your responsibilities and help usher in the soon-to-be-elected Executive Committee of the zone.

“I urge you to be fair, non-partisan, and committed to ensuring an all-inclusive leadership in the zone.”

Damagum reaffirmed the PDP’s strength and legacy, asserting that the party remains the best choice for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I want to remind Nigerians that the PDP is still the party to beat. We are one of the oldest and most experienced parties, tested over 27 years,” he said.

“Unlike the APC and other parties that are less than a decade old, the PDP has stood the test of time. If a party has survived for 27 years and is still going strong, that is the best guarantee Nigerians have for real change.

“The PDP remains the best option to redirect the country from its current challenges.”

Damagum also cautioned party leaders against aligning with the ruling government out of fear.

“No one can determine your destiny but yourself. I have noticed that some leaders, perhaps out of fear, seem to be supporting the present administration at the center.

“I find that very disappointing. We must stand firm and tell ourselves the truth. Nigerians deserve better, and we must not be intimidated.”

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Chairman Emmanuel Ogidi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged to carry out the committee’s duties impartially.

“On behalf of the committee, I want to thank God Almighty and the National Working Committee for entrusting us with this responsibility,” Ogidi said.

“We assure you that, by God’s grace, we will carry out our duties diligently and impartially. We will follow the chairman’s guidance and work in the best interest of the party.”

With the PDP leadership reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, the party’s focus now shifts to organizing a credible and transparent zonal congress in the South-South.