*Says Karma will visit those working against party
By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja
Embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, has warned that karma will confront those working against the party’s unity and progress.
He described acts of betrayal by some members of the PDP as a serious injustice to a party that has provided them with political identity and relevance.
Damagum spoke on Thursday at a meeting with 26 PDP state chairmen at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, pointed out that despite the ongoing internal struggles, the PDP remains vibrant, resilient, and fully prepared for its upcoming national convention set for Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.
It would be recalled that the PDP has been engulfed in leadership disputes and legal battles ahead of its national convention, following conflicting court orders and internal suspensions.
While the Oyo State High Court recently granted an ex parte order authorizing the party to proceed with the convention in Ibadan, a faction has continued to question the legitimacy of the Damagum-led National Working Committee.
In the words of Damagum, “I want to use this opportunity to call on our colleagues that the devil is using to see wisdom in casting the devil in them because treachery, especially to an institution that has made you what you are today, will not heal”.
He added, “You may be lucky now, but there is the law of karma. What goes around comes around.”
Damagum urged disappointed members to reconsider their actions, emphasizing that loyalty and unity are essential for the PDP’s survival.
“Sometimes, when I resort to the ways of God, people think it is weakness. We exist because God exists. He will judge us by our behavior,” he said.
The embattled National Chairman of PDP insisted that the party’s upcoming convention in Ibadan would signify a new beginning, expressing the firm optimism that the event would produce “a formidable National Working Committee that will reposition the party for greater electoral success.”
His words, “People are saying the PDP is dead. Today, in Nigeria, the story is about PDP. So you don’t tell stories about something that does not exist. ‘This is an attestation that PDP is alive, ready, and capable of navigating the challenges within our fold and solving those bedeviling our country”, he said.
Damagum equally urged political leaders to respect citizens’ rights and refrain from intimidation or harassment, reminding them that “power is temporary.”
He added, “Every citizen of this country has a right to aspire and explore. To those that think humiliation and harassment will deter citizens, they are just jesters.
“This country belongs to all of us. Those doing wrong today should know that one day, they will be at the front.”
In a statement issued at the end of the meeting, the forum Chairman Hon. Tony Aziegbemi, who is also the Edo State PDP Chairman, expressed solidarity with the PDP leadership and reaffirmed confidence in Ambassador Damagum’s leadership.
Aziegbemi, in a statement he read on behalf of the 26 state chairmen, said: “After extensive deliberations, the Forum of PDP State Chairs unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and the National Working Committee for their steadfast commitment to keeping the party united and focused despite distractions.”
“We express our full readiness to participate in the forthcoming national convention scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15–16, 2025, and reaffirm our belief that the exercise will further strengthen the PDP as a credible alternative for Nigerians.”
“The Forum also calls on all members, regardless of grievances, to prioritize the interests of the party above personal ambitions and work collectively toward reclaiming power and restoring hope to Nigerians.”
Aziegbemi commnded Damagum for providing steady leadership during a turbulent time, describing him as “a bridge-builder who has continued to steer the PDP through challenging political waters.”h challenging political waters.”
Ends
