Amb. Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has responded to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s recent remark that the PDP is dead, suggesting that Kwankwaso should be grateful to the party for the political status he currently enjoys.
Damagum’s response came after Kwankwaso’s statement in an interview with the Hausa Service of the BBC on Monday.
In a counter-interview aired on Tuesday, Damagum stated that despite the internal challenges faced by the PDP, it was the party that nurtured Kwankwaso and contributed significantly to his political success.
While expressing hope that Kwankwaso would reconsider his stance and return to the party, Damagum highlighted that the PDP’s popularity had not diminished despite his departure in 2015.
He said, “The PDP nurtured him (Kwankwaso) and contributed to his political success. Even though he left the party in 2015, it did not die, and it has continued to thrive.”
Damagum pointed out that Kwankwaso’s exit had not impacted the PDP’s influence, noting, “If the party survived his departure back then, why would anyone think it is irrelevant now?”
He also questioned the impact of Kwankwaso’s shift to other political platforms, remarking that the PDP remained the only party capable of consistently winning elections, even when not in power.
“How many states has he won with his new party?” Damagum asked, asserting that the facts were clear about the PDP’s strength and resilience.
Damagum further emphasized the PDP’s longstanding presence, stating, “For over two decades, the PDP has maintained its identity, producing governors and lawmakers across the country.”
He also reminded Kwankwaso that even if four parties merged without the PDP, they would still fail to win elections, pointing to the history of such alliances that did not yield success.
Acknowledging that some of Kwankwaso’s criticisms of the party’s challenges were valid, Damagum reflected on his own limited powers as the Deputy National Chairman (North) at the time, but noted that the PDP had made efforts to resolve those issues, though they were unsuccessful.
“We still believe that Kwankwaso should return to the PDP, as the party played a significant role in shaping him into the leader he is today,” Damagum said, reaffirming the party’s hope for his return.
Damagum also expressed his understanding of Kwankwaso’s frustrations but warned that achieving his aspirations would be challenging outside the PDP.
He assured that the party would continue to support its members and provide an open and transparent platform for competition, adding, “Whoever emerges as the party’s candidate will receive our full support.”
“We will reach out to him soon,” Damagum concluded.
“The PDP is a party that ensures its members thrive, and we remain committed to addressing the challenges Nigerians face under the current administration.”
