Damagum to Kwankwaso: PDP is Not Dead

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Iliyasu Damagum, has fired back at a former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over his criticisms of the party, insisting the PDP was not dead.

Damagum said despite the challenges faced by PDP, the party was not dead, adding that If the party could survive his (Kwankwaso) exit then, why would anyone think it was irrelevant now? 

Damagum, who stated these during an interview with BBC Hausa Service, yesterday, while responding to recent criticisms by Kwankwaso, said the truth remained that no other party had shaped Kwankwaso’s political career like the PDP.

“It nurtured him and contributed significantly to his political success. We still hold hope that he might return to the party and contribute to its rejuvenation, so we can collectively address the injustices of the current government,” Damagum said.

The PDP Chairman refuted claims that the party was losing its relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape, insisting that the PDP remained the only political party capable of winning elections without holding power.

“Every member has the right to express their opinion. But let me remind him that when he left the party in 2015, despite the challenges we faced then, the PDP was not ‘dead.’ If the party could survive his exit then, why would anyone think it is irrelevant now?” 

Damagum questioned the impact of Kwankwaso’s move to another party, adding, “the PDP is the only party that has consistently won elections without being in power. Senator Kwankwaso may have left, but how many states did he win with his new party? The facts speak for themselves.

“For over two decades, the PDP has remained steadfast, maintaining its identity and producing governors and lawmakers in every part of the country. Even if four parties merge without the PDP, they cannot win an election. We’ve seen this play out repeatedly. Where are those parties now? Even their alliances with other parties have not delivered the desired results.

“I admit that some of his claims about the challenges we faced back then are valid. As the Deputy National Chairman (North) at the time, my powers were limited, but we tried to resolve the issues. Unfortunately, those efforts fell short. He himself acknowledged this in previous interviews.

“The PDP played a significant role in his political career, shaping him into the leader he is today. We remain hopeful that he will return to the party and join us in addressing the injustices Nigerians face under the current administration,” he added.