The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ambassador Iliyasu Damagum, has responded to criticisms from Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, emphasizing that the PDP played a vital role in shaping his political career.
Damagum stated that the PDP nurtured and contributed significantly to Kwankwaso’s rise in politics, urging the former Kano State governor to recognize the party’s impact on his success.
During an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Tuesday, Damagum rejected claims that the PDP is losing its relevance in Nigerian politics. He reminded Kwankwaso that despite the challenges the party faced, including his own departure in 2015, the PDP has remained resilient. Damagum questioned why anyone would believe the party is now irrelevant, especially when it survived the loss of prominent members in the past.
Damagum expressed hope that Kwankwaso might return to the PDP, contributing to its rejuvenation as the party seeks to address the injustices Nigerians are currently facing under the present government. He reiterated that no other political party had as much influence on Kwankwaso’s political career as the PDP, which helped shape him into the leader he is today.
Responding to Kwankwaso’s criticisms of PDP leadership, Damagum pointed out that the party has consistently won elections, even without holding power. He questioned the success of Kwankwaso’s new political affiliation, asking how many states his new party had won. Damagum underscored that the PDP’s enduring structure and widespread presence across the country make it the only party capable of winning elections without being in power.
Addressing the internal issues that led to Kwankwaso’s departure, Damagum acknowledged the challenges faced by the party at the time but insisted that efforts to resolve them were made, although they fell short. He remained hopeful that, despite the past differences, reconciliation could still take place. Damagum also stressed that the PDP is always open to welcoming back dissatisfied members.
The Acting Chairman emphasized that the PDP’s strength lies in its inclusivity and commitment to fairness, with an open platform for members to compete. He reaffirmed that whoever emerges as the party’s candidate in the future would receive the full support of the party.
Damagum expressed optimism about the PDP’s future, stressing the party’s readiness to rebuild and remain a dominant force in Nigeria’s political arena. The PDP, he said, will continue to focus on fairness, unity, and the pursuit of electoral success in the coming years.
“It nurtured him and contributed significantly to his political success. We still hold hope that he might return to the party and contribute to its rejuvenation, so we can collectively address the injustices of the current government,” Damagum said.
Addressing Kwankwaso’s comments about the PDP, Damagum said, “every member has the right to express their opinion. But let me remind him that when he left the party in 2015, despite the challenges we faced then, the PDP was not ‘dead.’ If the party could survive his exit then, why would anyone think it is irrelevant now?”
Damagum questioned the impact of Kwankwaso’s move to another party, adding, “the PDP is the only party that has consistently won elections without being in power. Senator Kwankwaso may have left, but how many states did he win with his new party? The facts speak for themselves.
“For over two decades, the PDP has remained steadfast, maintaining its identity and producing governors and lawmakers in every part of the country. 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 stated.
He continued, “I admit that some of his claims about the challenges we faced back then are valid. As the Deputy National Chairman (North) at the time, my powers were limited, but we tried to resolve the issues. Unfortunately, those efforts fell short. He himself acknowledged this in previous interviews.
“The PDP played a significant role in his political career, shaping him into the leader he is today. We remain hopeful that he will return to the party and join us in addressing the injustices Nigerians face under the current administration,” he added.
Damagum assured that the PDP remains open to welcoming back dissatisfied members, adding, “by God’s grace, we will reach out to him soon. I understand his frustrations, but I also know it will be difficult for him to achieve his aspirations where he is now. The PDP has always been a party that supports its members and ensures they are given the opportunity to thrive.”
While maintaining neutrality regarding Kwankwaso’s political ambitions, Damagum reiterated the PDP’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity.
“Our duty as leaders is to create an open and transparent platform for everyone to compete. Whoever emerges as the party’s candidate will receive our full support,” he said.
