Umar Damagum, acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says the party is suffering because members have disregarded ideals in favour of personal ambition.
Damagum described the internal wrangling in the party as
“self-inflicted”, saying he hopes those leaving the party will “rediscover”
themselves and return.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting of the
party’s founding members and stakeholders, the PDP national chairman cautioned
members against demarketing the party and affiliating with another political
group.
“It is either you are a PDP member or not, as you cannot
belong to two political parties at a time,” Damagum said.
“But we must also confront the hard truth: Much of the
injury the PDP has suffered has been self-inflicted. From the Obasanjo era
(presidency) to this moment, we have too often jettisoned ideology in favour of
personal ambition.
“This has cost us dearly. Yet, there is still a beauty that
exists only in the PDP. Our founding vision, our commitment to internal
democracy, enduring mechanisms for dialogue and reconciliation, and our true
national outlook.
“These are not ordinary attributes. They are the very pillars
that made and have sustained the PDP as the bedrock of Nigeria’s democratic
journey, and they remain our guiding strength today.
“However, let it be said and known that our doors remain
open to those who wish to return, and it is my earnest prayers that in their
return, they may rediscover themselves. After all, we are still the party that
gave many their first political home.”
Damagum said the PDP was not founded as a “mere vehicle for
political ambition” but was born out of a “national crisis of conscience”.
“Today, again, Nigeria is in dire need of direction. Our
democratic values are under strain, the cost of living is crushing our people,
the younger generation is losing faith in leadership, and the economy continues
to suffer in depressing stagnation. In this moment, as in times past, the PDP
must rise as a vessel of real hope and a voice of reason,” he said.
Damagum said the party’s “self-inflicted wounds can be
healed”, adding that members must rise above personal interest.
Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi and chairman of the PDP
Governors’ Forum, said it is not a “smart move” for anyone to leave PDP for
another party.
“If someone wants to leave PDP to go to another place, how
is this a smart move in thought and thinking?” he asked.
The governor said the PDP has a history, a legacy, a
structure everywhere.
“But because we are being haunted, and we know what we are
going through, and it is not for us to be cowardly and talk about it,” he said.
“Yes, politics is local. Some may go due to certain reasons,
calculations, and permutations, but I think they will be proved wrong. Even our
elders who have gone, we don’t want to diminish them; we don’t want to
denigrate or abuse them. We are telling them with humility: come back.”
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki stated that the party
will overcome its challenges and remain united.
He added that he will not dump the party like he did in
2013.
“I left in anger, but anger does not provide good
leadership. We have problems and challenges, but we must find solutions to
address them. Leaving the party does not help in solving the problems of the
party,” he said.
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