PDP Acting Chairman Calls for Rebirth, Discipline as New BoT Takes Oath

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad, has called for unity, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law as the party inaugurated its new Board of Trustees (BoT) on Thursday, November 7, 2025, in Abuja.

Speaking during the inauguration, Muhammad described the event as a moment of renewal for the PDP, noting that the party must return to the ideals that originally made it a leading force in Nigeria’s democracy. He said the party’s founding principles—justice, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the constitution—had been neglected in recent years, leading to internal crises and loss of credibility.

The acting chairman said that the previous BoT, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, lost its moral authority after internal divisions and allegations of anti-party activities weakened its legitimacy. He explained that the leadership at the time failed to act in accordance with judicial rulings and often placed personal interests above party discipline.

Muhammad noted that the situation worsened under the leadership of the suspended National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, who he accused of prioritizing convenience over constitutional order. According to him, the disregard for lawful processes and the protection of individuals who violated party rules led to a collapse of internal democracy and eroded the moral strength of the PDP.

He said the intervention of concerned members who sought judicial redress was not an act of rebellion but a move to save the party from further decline. The judgment of the Federal High Court, he explained, served as a reminder that no institution is above the law and that the PDP must rebuild its structure around accountability and justice.

Muhammad stated that the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees represents a new beginning for the party. He urged members of the BoT to serve with courage, wisdom, and fairness, describing their role as a moral responsibility rather than a political reward. He said their task was to restore unity, guide the leadership with integrity, and ensure that the PDP remains a home for all Nigerians.

Reflecting on the party’s past, the acting chairman noted that the PDP’s internal decay began when it abandoned its zoning principle before the 2015 general elections. He said ambition and disregard for equity weakened the party’s internal harmony and contributed to its current challenges.

Muhammad assured members that under the new leadership, the PDP would no longer tolerate impunity or manipulation. He pledged that the party would rebuild its foundation through transparency, fairness in congresses, and respect for judicial orders.

He called on members to see the inauguration as the start of a new chapter in the PDP’s history—one defined by conscience, unity, and lawful leadership. He urged all party stakeholders to work together to restore public trust and reclaim the PDP’s place as a leading voice in Nigeria’s democracy.

Muhammad concluded by calling for collective reform, stating that political parties must operate within constitutional boundaries and that internal affairs should never serve as a cover for lawlessness. He reaffirmed his commitment to building a PDP driven by principle, discipline, and the rule of law.