Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Damagum has said the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, should be grateful to the PDP for giving him the political status he now enjoys despite its internal challenges. Vanguard reports.
Damagum said this in response to Kwankwaso’s assertion that the PDP was dead.
Kwankwaso made his declaration in an interview with the Hausa Service of the BBC on Monday.
The PDP Acting National Chairman issued his response in a separate interview aired on the same Radio Station on Tuesday.
Damagum explained that while he remained hopeful that Kwankwaso would retrace his steps and return to its fold, it was worth mentioning that Kwankwaso’s exit since 2015 hasn’t diminished the party’s popularity.
The party chairman noted that, “It (PDP) nurtured him (Kwankwaso) 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.
“Every member has the right to express his opinion. But let me remind him (Kwankwaso) 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 used the opportunity to query the impact of Kwankwaso’s move to other political platforms.
He said , “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.
“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.”
Damagum further said, “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 allowed to thrive.”
“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.”
