By Chika Eze, Abuja
The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its confidence in the Ambassador Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) and expressed readiness for the party’s National Convention, scheduled to hold on November 15–16, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Addressing journalists after an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, read the communiqué, which outlined key resolutions on the party’s unity and preparations ahead of the convention.
According to the communiqué, the BoT reaffirmed that the PDP remains a united, formidable, and focused political institution under Damagum’s leadership.
It commended the NWC, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and the National Convention Organising Committee for their efforts in stabilizing the party amid recent internal challenges.
The BoT also welcomed the ruling of the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice A. L. Akintola, which upheld the party’s constitutional right to conduct its elective convention as scheduled. The ruling, the statement noted, was “a victory for democracy, the rule of law, and political development in Nigeria.”
However, the BoT expressed concern over recent tensions and misunderstandings within the party, including the invasion of the PDP National Secretariat, describing such incidents as “not reflective of the ideals and character of the PDP.”
As part of efforts to restore harmony, the BoT announced the constitution of a high-powered Reconciliation Committee to engage all aggrieved members and ensure unity ahead of the Ibadan convention.
Members of the reconciliation committee include Amb. Hassan Adamu (North East) as Chairman, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe (South South) as Secretary, Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South East), Sen. Zaynab Kure (North Central), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (South West), and Dr. Lubna Mohammed Gusau (North West).
The committee is expected to submit its report to the BoT on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, for further action.
Senator Wabara said the meeting came at a defining moment for the PDP, as its unity, discipline, and collective wisdom were once again being tested.
He reaffirmed that the PDP remains “the strongest, most experienced, and most resilient political institution in Nigeria,” built on the principles of justice, fairness, equity, and national inclusion.
Wabara called on members to embrace reconciliation, stressing that “the time has come for dialogue to triumph over discord. No ambition, no grievance, and no factional loyalty should override the collective interest of the PDP,” he said.
In his remarks, the PDP National Chairman, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum lauded Justice Akintola’s ruling, describing it as “an act of courage” in a period marked by “judicial intimidation and moral compromise.”
He said the judgment reaffirmed the party’s right to manage its internal democratic processes.
Damagum emphasised that his tenure had been guided by reconciliation and party unity rather than factionalism or vendetta. “Every decision I took, every compromise I made, was for the sake of the PDP, not individuals or factions,” he said.
He urged members to remain courageous and focused on rebuilding the party, noting that “the mission to rescue, redirect, and rebuild Nigeria begins in opposition.”
The BoT resolved to work closely with the NWC, the Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly Caucus, and other organs of the party to ensure a smooth, credible, and unifying convention in Ibadan.