South-West PDP Women Back Damagum, Urge Unity in Leadership
ABUJA/Nigeria: The South-West People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Women Forum has thrown its support behind the Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, while calling for unity and discipline within the party.
In a statement issued after an emergency meeting held in Lagos on Monday, the group criticized the directive by Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, urging North Central stakeholders to nominate a replacement for former National Chairman Dr. Iyiorchia Ayu. They described the move as a deliberate attempt to undermine the party’s progress.
Chairperson of the South-West PDP Women Forum, Alhaja Aisha Bankole, who read the statement, praised Damagum’s leadership, noting his efforts to unite party members and enforce discipline across ranks. The women also expressed satisfaction with the improvements in state congresses under his leadership.
The forum commended the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature, for restoring hope and addressing organizational challenges, adding that his efforts have brought structure and value to the party’s activities.
The group adopted a strong stance against those vying for the chairmanship position, urging North Central PDP stakeholders to prioritize peace over personal ambition.
“The poor performance of the PDP in the North Central during the 2023 elections demands a strategic approach to rebuilding the party in the zone. Leaders should focus on reclaiming the region in 2027 rather than scrambling for the chairmanship,” the statement read.
The women also called on PDP members in the North Central and South-South to refrain from acts that undermine democracy, such as character assassination and divisive rhetoric.
“These individuals are not driven by a genuine desire to advance the PDP but by an agenda to destroy the party and tarnish Damagum’s reputation,” the statement said, emphasizing Damagum’s leadership qualities, performance, and sincerity.
The forum also highlighted Hon. Bature’s vision, creativity, and integrity as key assets for the party’s future.
