Damagum: PDP suffering because members jettisoned ideology for personal ambition

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.