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STOP DEMARKETING PDP – DAMAGUM WARNS PARTY MEMBERS
The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, on Wednesday issued a stern warning to party members who are engaged in activities aimed at demarketing the party, saying they will face sanctions at the appropriate time.
Speaking after a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja, Damagum emphasised that the PDP remains intact and united despite internal rifts and external pressures. He expressed concern over statements made by some prominent party leaders on Tuesday, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark, who publicly criticised the current state of the party and called for a broader coalition to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
In a direct response, Damagum said, “I want to re-emphasise that if you are a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, we are drawing a line for those who go to demarket the party. We will watch them and take appropriate actions at the right time. If you believe in this party, you should be an ambassador who protects the fortunes this party has given to citizens of this country.”
He described the APC-led government as oppressive, citing worsening hunger, insecurity, and economic hardship, but maintained that the PDP must present a disciplined and united front, rather than succumbing to internal sabotage.
“To APC, I want to send a message: you can continue to harass and buy our members, but the 2027 election is between Nigerians and the APC. It is better to start now and correct your ways,” Damagum added.
His remarks followed scathing comments from a group of senior PDP stakeholders on Tuesday, who accused the APC government of mismanaging the country and labelled the PDP a “shadow of its old self.” The leaders lamented what they described as the collapse of democratic institutions and the failure of the current opposition to provide a credible alternative to the ruling party.
In their statement, the concerned PDP leaders declared: “The PDP, which is organic with the discipline, capacity, and history to lead and save Nigeria, is now a shadow of its old self. The heatwave unleashed by the APC Federal Government through threats, blackmail and patronage has forced elected officers in government to abandon the PDP.”
They called on Nigerians and other opposition figures to unite under a single front to defeat the APC in the next general elections.
However, Damagum dismissed claims of party disarray and stressed that the PDP remains the only political party in Nigeria with deep institutional experience and a proven capacity for conflict resolution.
“We remain united despite all the challenges. We have mastered the act of conflict resolution. We know our problems and we solve them within ourselves,” he said.
The PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is scheduled to meet from July 23 to 25 to deliberate on key party issues, including unity efforts ahead of the 2027 elections. Damagum assured party faithful that the gathering would help consolidate internal cohesion.
