PDP Leaders Admit Self-Inflicted Challenges, Reaffirm Commitment to Party Revival
…As Governor Bala Mohammed, Damagum, Saraki Attend Founding Fathers' Consultative Conference in Abuja
By, Abdulwahab Muhammad Bauchí
Abuja | July 23, 2025
Top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Acting National Chairman Ambassador Ilya Damagum, former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, and Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, have openly admitted that the party is grappling with critical internal challenges — many of which, they say, are self-inflicted.
The leaders made the admission on Wednesday during the Consultative Conference of the Founding Fathers and Stakeholders of the PDP, held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja. Themed “Reclaiming Our Legacy, Renewing Our Collective Vision,” the meeting brought together respected party elders, serving officials, and former leaders to deliberate on the party’s future.
Damagum: “We Must Confront the Hard Truth”
In his address, Ambassador Damagum acknowledged that internal issues have hindered the party's progress.
“We must confront the hard truth. Much of the injury the PDP has suffered has been self-inflicted. From the Obasanjo era to this moment, we have too often jettisoned ideology in favour of personal ambition. This has cost us dearly,” he stated.
Nonetheless, he expressed optimism about the party’s strengths — its founding vision, internal democracy, and commitment to national unity — which he described as the core pillars of its resilience.
Saraki: “Let’s Not Abandon the Party in Anger”
Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki echoed similar concerns, admitting the accumulation of missteps over the years but urging members not to walk away out of frustration.
“Yes, we have problems. But the question we should ask ourselves is: should we abandon this party because of these challenges? Anger does not solve problems in leadership,” he said.
Saraki called for ideological reflection, not emotional reactions, urging party faithful to stay and rebuild the party from within rather than defect to rival political platforms.
Governor Bala: “We Need Every Hand on Deck”
Governor Bala Mohammed reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the PDP, acknowledging that while some challenges have been self-inflicted, the party remains the most viable platform for Nigeria’s future.
“We beg our members to be patient with us. We are working together with all the remaining PDP governors, and we even give the benefit of doubt to those leaving — that they will realize and come back. It is our tradition to welcome returnees,” he said.
The Bauchi Governor emphasized the developmental strides being achieved in PDP-controlled states and noted that the party’s openness allows every region to actualize its aspirations for national leadership.
Jerry Gana: “The Legacy Must Be Protected”
Earlier, elder statesman Professor Jerry Gana took participants down memory lane, recalling the sacrifices and vision that birthed the PDP. He urged members to uphold the ideals of the founding fathers, stressing that the party’s foundational values are still relevant for national development.
Resolutions and Closing
The conference concluded with a robust interactive session, where key stakeholders posed questions and received assurances from Ambassador Damagum on reforms, unity efforts, and the party’s future direction.
With visible determination and renewed calls for internal discipline, the PDP leadership sent a clear message: the party is not only aware of its missteps — it is ready to correct course and reclaim its place as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.