The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagum, has asserted that no political alliance in Nigeria can win an election without the involvement of the PDP.
Damagum made this statement in response to recent comments by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, who criticized the PDP’s role in northern Nigerian politics.
In an interview on BBC Hausa Service, Damagum defended the PDP, stating that despite facing numerous challenges, the party remains a powerful political force in the country.
He stressed that even if four other political parties were to merge, they would not be able to secure an election victory without the PDP’s involvement.
Damagum highlighted the PDP’s resilience, noting that the party has remained influential for over two decades, producing governors and lawmakers across the country.
He dismissed claims that the PDP’s relevance has waned, pointing out that it continues to be the only political party capable of winning elections in Nigeria, especially when compared to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The PDP Chairman also responded to Kwankwaso’s assertion that he outsmarted President Muhammadu Buhari to secure the APC’s presidential ticket in 2023. Damagum reminded Kwankwaso that the PDP played a significant role in shaping his political career and said the party remains hopeful that he might return to work with them to rebuild the party and challenge the current government.
“Let’s not forget that the PDP remains the only party capable of winning elections if you exclude the ruling APC.
” Even if four parties merge without the PDP, they cannot win an election. We’ve seen this play out repeatedly. Where are those parties now? Even their alliances with other parties have not delivered the desired results,” he said.
