PDP backs Damagum as LP mobilises youths for 2027 showdown

• State chairmen endorse Acting Chairman’s continued oversight
• Moro: PDP committed to restructuring, electoral resurgence
• We won’t relent until we clinch presidency, Labour Party vows

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has solidified its ranks as state chairmen backed Acting Chairman Umar Damagum, while the Labour Party (LP) ignited grassroots energy, rallying youths for a bold 2027 presidential bid and setting the stage for a possible opposition showdown.

Damagum’s solidification of his hold on the party’s leadership came ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, tentatively slated for November 28, where his fate is expected to be deliberated.

During a meeting at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja yesterday, the chairmen declared their support for Damagum’s leadership until further notice.

This endorsement is seen as a boost for Damagum, whose position has been under scrutiny since his appointment in March 2023 following the removal of former National Chairman Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

Damagum, who was Deputy National Chairman (North) before stepping into his current role, is expected to vacate the position for a substantive chairman from the North Central zone, as stipulated by the PDP Constitution. However, his continued stay has faced opposition from stakeholders, including some governors and North Central aspirants.

Addressing rumours about the meeting’s purpose, Damagum denied speculation that it was connected to the NEC meeting. He explained that the gathering was a routine interaction to familiarise newly elected state chairmen with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and discuss ongoing matters, including preparations for zonal congresses.

“This meeting was purely to interact with the state chairmen. More than half of them are new, and it was necessary for us to know each other and discuss issues like the coming zonal congresses. It has nothing to do with NEC,” Damagum stated.

Imo State PDP Chairman and Interim Chairman of the PDP Chairmen’s Forum, Austin Nwachukwu, echoed this sentiment, describing the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen unity and collaboration within the party. He also expressed confidence in the NWC’s ability to strengthen the party and navigate its challenges.

“We discussed zonal congresses and emphasised unity among members. Contrary to speculation, the party is not in crisis. What some may call a crisis is merely cosmetic,” Nwachukwu said.

On the party’s recent losses in Edo and Ondo state elections, Nwachukwu attributed the setbacks to external factors, dismissing claims of diminishing fortunes. “The PDP is looking stronger as we move into the next political dispensation. Social media exaggerations do not reflect the true state of the party,” he added.

The chairmen’s endorsement of Damagum is expected to be a critical factor in the upcoming NEC meeting, where discussions on the party’s leadership structure will likely dominate proceedings.

This came as the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to restructuring and reclaiming its electoral dominance.

Moro spoke yesterday after a meeting of the party’s National Assembly caucus, addressing concerns over recent setbacks and ongoing efforts to reposition the party for future polls.

Moro described the PDP as resilient despite recent gubernatorial losses, noting that the party is focused on regaining its strength. “We discussed the affairs of the party, particularly as we approach a critical NEC meeting to make vital decisions on the PDP’s state,” he said. “We are intensifying efforts to ensure the party grows stronger and prepares for subsequent elections without distractions.”

On allegations of vote-buying in recent elections, Moro expressed concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He called for restoring mandates allegedly stolen, such as in Edo State, emphasising the need to learn from past failures.

“Everyone is worried about Nigeria’s democracy,” he said. “INEC has faced criticism, but every failure is a lesson. We must ensure that stolen mandates are restored. Failure should become a mechanism for future success.”

Moro also addressed Damagum’s critics, dismissing claims that his leadership had adversely affected the party. “The PDP is not just about one individual,” he said. “Damagun is the acting chairman, but PDP is about all its members. We are working round the clock to return the PDP to its winning ways.”

Reacting to concerns over members like Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who has been linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Moro downplayed their influence. He likened such political alignments to bipartisan endorsements in the United States, asserting that the PDP remains focused on rebuilding.

“Anyone working against the PDP today will have to contend with the resilience of PDP members,” Moro declared, adding that the party’s long-standing reputation as a resilient brand would see it rebound from current challenges.

On the question of blame for the party’s struggles, Moro refrained from finger-pointing, stating, “The most important thing is that something is not right. We are working to fix it, and we will get it right.”

The caucus meeting ended with a renewed commitment to revitalise the PDP and ensure stronger performances in future elections.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party reaffirmed its commitment to securing the Presidency in 2027, pledging to continue fostering unity and collaboration within its ranks to drive positive change in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Labour Party National Youth Leaders Conference yesterday, the Director General of the Labour Party Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration, Marcel Ngogbehei, urged the youth to unite and focus on grassroots efforts to shape the country’s future.

Ngogbehei described the youth as pivotal to the nation’s progress, noting that their involvement and innovative ideas are critical to challenging the status quo.

He said: “Our nation is at a pivotal point, and your role as youth leaders cannot be understated. You are not just the voice of tomorrow—you are the force of today.”

Highlighting the significance of grassroots mobilisation, Ngogbehei said the strength of the masses lies in their ability to integrate diverse voices across the nation. He stressed that youth leadership at the grassroots level is key to fostering unity and bridging gaps between stakeholders and communities.

He said the directorate is committed to equipping youth leaders with the training, tools, and platforms needed for effective advocacy and engagement.

“Our directorate is committed to supporting you in every way possible, providing the tools, training, and platforms needed for effective engagement and advocacy. This conference is an opportunity not just to learn from each other but to strategise collectively,” he noted.

Ngogbehei also called on the youth to leverage the conference to address pressing national challenges, including security, education, economic empowerment, and good governance.

He reaffirmed the Labour Party’s determination to ascend to the Presidency, promising that the party would not relent until it “leverages the powers available in Aso Rock through a Labour Party Presidency in 2027 to ensure that Nigerians are safe and prosperous.”