PDP Not ‘Dead,’ Damagum Blasts Kwankwaso

…Says party nurtures, Contributes Significantly To His Political Success

By Tunde Opalana

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Iliyasu Damagum, has said that the leading opposition is not dead, cannot die but continue to wax stronger.

Reacting to a critic of the party by the former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, he described Kwankwaso an ingrate for bemoaning that PDP in whatever situation.

According to Damagum, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), was made politically by the PDP, a political brand under which he became a two term state governor and a minister.

He said that no other party has shaped Kwankwaso’s political career like the PDP.

Damagum said that despite the challenges faced by PDP, the party is not dead, during an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Tuesday.

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“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.

Speaking on the relevance of the party, he said described as empty lies, claims that PDP is losing footings in Nigeria’s political turf.

He insisted that the PDP remains the only political party capable of winning elections without holding power.

Trashing Kwankwaso’s comments about the PDP, the national chairman 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?”

Kwankwaso had recently criticized some PDP leaders while also expressing anger how he was humiliated by the party in 2015 that led to his departure from the party.

In his response, 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.”

Damagum emphasized the PDP’s resilience and long-standing influence, citing its enduring structure and presence across Nigeria.

“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.

The acting chairman also addressed some of the grievances that led to Kwankwaso’s departure, noting efforts made to resolve internal conflicts at the time.

“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,” Damagum said.

Despite these differences, Damagum expressed optimism about a potential reconciliation with Kwankwaso.

“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.

Damagum’s remarks highlight the PDP’s readiness to rebuild and remain a dominant force in Nigeria’s political arena, as the party positions itself for future electoral victories amidst shifting dynamics.