By Paul Ebi
Abuja— The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has described the recent ruling of the Oyo State High Court as a “courageous affirmation” of the party’s constitutional right to conduct its 2025 Elective National Convention, calling it a victory not only for the PDP but for Nigerian democracy.
Damagum made the remarks on Wednesday at a meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
The PDP leader said the ruling delivered by Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court effectively resolved earlier legal uncertainties and confirmed that the party had fulfilled all legal conditions to proceed with its internal democratic exercise.
“This judgment is not just a victory for our party, but for democracy itself,” Damagum declared. “We commend the judiciary for standing firm in an era of judicial intimidation and moral compromise.”
He explained that his leadership had worked to bridge internal divisions within the party, choosing reconciliation over retaliation following the fallouts of the 2023 general elections.
“Every decision I took, every compromise I made, every gesture of accommodation was for the sake of the Party,” he said. “I chose the Party, not individuals or factions, but the enduring institution of the PDP that shall outlive us all.”
Damagum urged members of the incoming National Working Committee (NWC) to demonstrate integrity, unity, and courage in rebuilding the party’s structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This meeting is convened to provide strategic direction for our planning toward the convention and to resolve all outstanding issues,” he noted. “Let us deliberate sincerely, argue in good faith, and act with unity of purpose—for the good of our great party and the nation we all serve.”
In his remarks, BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara called on aggrieved members to put aside differences and prioritize reconciliation, emphasizing that the board would remain neutral in mediating disputes.
Other notable attendees included BoT Secretary Ahmed Makarafi, Professor Jerry Gana, Senator Ben Obi, former Minister Josephine Anenih, Zainab Maina, and members of the Damagum-led National Working Committee.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan on Tuesday cleared the PDP to proceed with its elective National Convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025.
Justice Akintola, ruling on an ex parte motion filed by Folahan Adelabi against the PDP, its Acting National Chairman, Governor Umaru Fintiri (Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), granted an interim order permitting the convention to hold as planned in Ibadan.
The court also directed INEC to attend, monitor, and observe the proceedings pending the hearing of the substantive motion on notice.
Adelabi, the claimant, had sought to restrain the defendants from altering or disrupting the convention timetable and schedule of activities.
With the latest ruling, the PDP now appears set to move forward with preparations for its long-awaited national convention—an event many within the party see as crucial to redefining its leadership and restoring internal cohesion.
