The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed that Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum remains its National Chairman, putting to rest speculations about leadership changes within the party.
Gatekeepers News reports that this affirmation was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
“The Board of Trustees (BoT) at its meeting today extensively considered the recent developments in the party and resolves as follows: BoT reaffirms that the PDP remains a united, formidable and focused political party under the leadership of the Amb. Iliya Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC),” the statement read.
The BoT expressed full support for the Damagum-led NWC, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and the National Convention Organizing Committee, commending their roles in stabilizing the party ahead of the Elective National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
It also welcomed the Oyo State High Court ruling delivered by Justice A.L. Akintola, which upheld the PDP’s constitutional right to manage its internal affairs and proceed with its national convention as planned.
“This landmark ruling is a victory for democracy, the rule of law, and political development in our country,” the BoT stated.
However, the BoT voiced concern over recent internal disputes and public incidents — including the invasion of the party’s national secretariat — describing them as “not reflective of the ideals and character of the PDP.”
“As the conscience of the party, the BoT cannot and will not take sides but will remain focused on safeguarding the integrity of the PDP and ensuring dialogue over discord. Reconciliation is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of maturity and responsibility,” it added.
To that end, the BoT announced the formation of a high-powered Reconciliation Committee to restore unity ahead of the convention.
The committee, chaired by Amb. Hassan Adamu (North East) with Chief Mike Oghiadomhe (South South) as secretary, also includes Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South East), Sen. Zaynab Kure (North Central), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (South West), and Dr. Lubna Mohammed Gusau (North West).
The BoT, chaired by Senator Adolphus Wabara, directed the committee to submit its report by Tuesday, November 11, 2025, for further action.
