The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has dismissed the South-South Zonal Congress organized by loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The controversial congress took place on February 22 in Calabar, Cross River State.
Speaking at the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee in Abuja on Thursday, Damagum stated that the PDP had not yet conducted any official congress in the South-South. He explained that the tenure of the zonal executives had only recently expired and that the party was still preparing for the formal election of new officials.
No PDP Election Held in South-South
Damagum declared, “I want to make it clear that there was no election as far as this party is concerned in the South-South. The tenure of the previous zonal committee has expired, and we still have a few weeks or a month to conduct the zonal congresses. That is why we found it necessary to set up this caretaker committee.”
He assured party members that the newly appointed committee would be responsible for overseeing the transition and ensuring a smooth process leading up to the official congress.
“I have known and worked with some of you before, and I am confident you will carry out your responsibilities with diligence. Your role is to ensure the emergence of an inclusive and properly elected executive committee in the zone,” he added.
Damagum also warned members of the caretaker committee to remain neutral and not take sides in party conflicts.
“I urge you to avoid partisanship and focus on the responsibilities given to you,” he said.
PDP Still the Party to Beat, Says Damagum
The PDP chairman took the opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the party, dismissing rival parties as inexperienced compared to the PDP’s long history in Nigerian politics.
“I want Nigerians to know that PDP is still the party to beat. We have been tested for 27 years. We are one of the oldest parties in the country. The APC and other parties are not even 10 years old,” Damagum stated.
He expressed confidence that the PDP remains the best option for Nigerians seeking a change in governance.
“If a party like ours has survived for 27 years and is still standing, then there is no doubt that we will continue to grow stronger. The PDP is the best guarantee for Nigerians to change the course of what is happening in the country today,” he declared.
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Stop Supporting This Government Out of Fear
Damagum also cautioned PDP leaders against openly supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) out of fear.
“I have noticed that some of our leaders are encouraging this present administration at the center, maybe because of fear. I find it really disgusting. We must be truthful to ourselves,” he said.
He urged party members to stand firm and not allow fear to influence their actions.
“Nobody is going to change your destiny for you except yourself. Nigerians belong to all of us. No one is a better Nigerian than you are,” he added.
Damagum encouraged PDP members to remain united and work towards reclaiming power in future elections.
“If we put our acts together, the path is bright, and we will reach our destination,” he said confidently.
Caretaker Committee Pledges to Serve Without Bias
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated caretaker committee, Chairman Emmanuel Ogidi thanked the party leadership for trusting them with the responsibility.
“On behalf of the committee, I give thanks to God for this opportunity to serve, and to the National Working Committee for approving our appointment,” Ogidi said.
He assured party members that the committee would carry out its duties fairly.
“We will discharge our responsibilities without bias and to the best of our abilities,” he pledged.
He also acknowledged Damagum’s advice and promised to follow his guidance in executing their duties.
“The chairman has charged us with a duty, and by the grace of God, we will do our best,” he said.