The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has hailed the recent ruling by Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, describing it as a “courageous affirmation” of the party’s constitutional right to conduct its 2025 Elective National Convention.
Speaking at the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Damagum said the judgment had resolved earlier legal challenges and confirmed that the party met all legal requirements to proceed with the exercise.
“This judgment is not just a victory for our party, but for democracy itself,” Damagum said, commending the court for its courage “in an era of judicial intimidation and moral compromise.”
He stressed that his leadership had chosen reconciliation over division, noting that every decision taken was aimed at preserving the unity and integrity of the PDP.
“I chose the Party, not individuals or factions, but the enduring institution of the PDP that shall outlive us all,” he said, urging the incoming National Working Committee (NWC) to demonstrate courage, integrity, and unity ahead of the convention.
Also speaking, BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara appealed to aggrieved members to sheathe their swords, pledging that the board would remain neutral and focused on reconciliation.
The meeting was attended by BoT Secretary Ahmed Makarafi, Jerry Gana, Senator Ben Obi, Josephine Anenih, Zainab Maina, and members of the Damagum-led NWC.
The Oyo State High Court had on Tuesday cleared the PDP to proceed with its scheduled National Convention on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend and monitor the exercise pending the determination of a substantive motion on notice.
