Responding to Kwankwaso’s claims of marginalization within the PDP, which he cited as a reason for severing ties with the party, Damagun acknowledged the validity of some of the grievances.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed its intention to approach former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in an effort to persuade him to return to the party.
The acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun, revealed this during an interview with the BBC, responding to Kwankwaso’s recent remarks dismissing the PDP as “dead” and incapable of achieving future success.
Damagun stated that the PDP is prepared to welcome back former members, including Kwankwaso, emphasizing the party’s historical role in building his political career.
“People are entitled to their opinions, but I want to remind him of the past,” Damagun said. “When they left the PDP in 2015, if the party didn’t die back then, during a time they thought they had weakened it, I don’t see why anyone would claim it is dead now.”
He maintained that the PDP remains a formidable political force in Nigeria, capable of winning elections despite the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Damagun, the party’s endurance over 26 years, its national presence, and its governors and senators across various regions demonstrate its strength.
Responding to Kwankwaso’s claims of marginalization within the PDP, which he cited as a reason for severing ties with the party, Damagun acknowledged the validity of some of the grievances. He recalled efforts to resolve these issues during his tenure as the party’s deputy national chairman for the North but admitted they were unsuccessful at the time.
Nevertheless, Damagun expressed hope that Kwankwaso would reconsider his stance, adding that no other party has supported Kwankwaso’s political aspirations as much as the PDP.
Damagun further disclosed plans to reach out to Kwankwaso soon, despite the senator’s criticisms. He expressed optimism that the PDP could still offer him better opportunities than his current political affiliation.
“The PDP has always been a party that welcomes back any of its members who left in anger,” Damagun said. “Whenever they return, we give them opportunities just like everyone else.”
Reiterating his commitment to rebuilding the PDP, Damagun concluded that the party remains open to reconciliation and collaboration with former members to confront what he described as an “oppressive government.”
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