The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has drawn a bold line in the sand for its members: stay loyal or face consequences.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, sent a strong message to party members flirting with defection — especially those openly undermining the PDP from within. Flanked by other top National Working Committee (NWC) members, Damagum made it clear that the party will no longer tolerate betrayal disguised as political freedom.
“If you are a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, we are drawing a line for those who go out to demarket the party,” he said. “We are watching, and we will take appropriate action at the right time.”
The warning comes as the PDP gears up for the 2027 general elections amid internal cracks and rising political tension nationwide. Damagum, however, was adamant that despite the challenges, the PDP remains Nigeria’s most resilient and structured political force.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to poach PDP members through underhanded tactics — including threats, inducements, and political harassment. According to him, “The APC knows it cannot stand on its own, so it tries to weaken us by picking off our members one by one.”
Beyond party politics, Damagum also called out the Tinubu-led administration for failing Nigerians on critical fronts like hunger, insecurity, and rising intolerance. “We are in a democracy, and the voices of the people must be heard. We are not a conquered people. We are law-abiding citizens who deserve to be listened to,” he said with emotion.
To those contemplating leaving the PDP, his message was both stern and reflective. “I advise against it. There is no party as accommodating as ours. But if they choose to go, I wish them well — though I am confident they will return.”
With the party’s crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for July 23–25, all eyes are on how the PDP will re-strategize for 2027 and handle its internal rumblings. But for now, one thing is clear — the PDP leadership is done playing nice with those sitting on the fence.
