Why Damagum met with PDP chairmen

Amid speculation of wanting to continue in office, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Iliya Damagum, has led its National Working Committee (NWC) to meet with state chapters’ chairmen in Abuja.

But he has insisted it was just a strategic meeting aimed at fostering unity and enhancing party coordination.

Damagum, who has been under pressure from a section of the party stakeholders to step aside for an individual from the North Central to take over, described the meeting at the national secretariat as routine and focused on familiarization, the upcoming zonal congresses, and party cohesion.

Addressing speculations in the media, Ambassador Damagum firmly denied rumours of internal discord or discussions about the National Executive Committee (NEC) during the meeting.

“This is not an unusual meeting. We’ve had such meetings before. The purpose is to interact with state chairmen, especially those newly elected, and to discuss administrative matters like the coming zonal congresses,” he said.

Damagum emphasized that the meeting was not a crisis intervention.

“This gathering was not about crisis but about connection, collaboration, and charting the way forward for a stronger PDP,” Damagum said.

“Issues of NEC are solely within the purview of the NWC and the chairman. This was a normal interactive session to welcome the new chairmen, foster unity, and discuss party growth. Social media insinuations about any crisis are baseless,” he added.

Austin Nwachukwu, the Imo State PDP Chairman and Interim Chairman of the PDP Chairmen’s Forum, described the meeting as a productive session to strengthen ties between the NWC and state leadership.

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“The meeting was primarily about familiarizing ourselves with the NWC. Many of us are new, having emerged from recent congresses. It was also an opportunity to discuss the upcoming zonal congresses and reiterate the need for unity among members,” Nwachukwu said.

He dismissed claims of a vote of confidence being passed on the acting National Chairman or discussions about NEC.

“Nothing of that nature came up. The focus was purely administrative and centred on party progress,” he clarified.

Responding to concerns about the party’s perceived declining fortunes following losses in Edo and Ondo states, Nwachukwu dismissed the narrative as propaganda.

He attributed the electoral outcomes to the ruling party’s tactics rather than PDP’s strength.

“The impression that the PDP’s fortunes are dwindling is incorrect. We are looking stronger as we prepare for the next political dispensation. What some term as a crisis is superficial, amplified by social media. Internally, we remain intact,” he asserted.

The party’s leadership says it is now focused on ensuring smooth zonal congresses.

Forms for interested candidates have been made available, and efforts are underway to maintain unity and transparency during the process.

Wednesday’s meeting underscored the PDP’s commitment to rebuilding its structure and preparing for future electoral challenges.

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