Defectors Will Return, Says PDP Acting National Chairman Damagum

Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has predicted that party members who left to join the newly formed opposition coalition will eventually return, insisting that no other political party is as accommodating as the PDP.

Damagum’s remarks come in the wake of the defection of prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and several ex-governors, who recently aligned with the coalition. On Wednesday, the coalition unveiled the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official political platform, with leaders of the ADC stepping aside for Mark to emerge as Interim National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Damagum warned that the PDP would not tolerate anti-party activities and vowed to enforce disciplinary measures against members working to undermine the party.

“To those that are contemplating, they should not — they have no place and there’s nowhere that will be as accommodating as our party. But if they feel there are, I wish them good luck. But I know they will run back,” Damagum said.

Reaffirming the party’s position, he added:

“I want to re-emphasise that if you are a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, we are drawing a line for those who go to de-market the party. We are watching them and we will take appropriate actions at the right time.”