*In bid to strenthen structure ahead 2027
By Folorunso Alagbede, in Abuja
Thirty-nine chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, comprising former Governors, ex Ministers and others were on Monday inaugurated as members of the Board of Trustees’ (BoT) of the party in Abuja.
The move is geared towards strengthening the leading opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.
While twenty six of the members were chosen from the states, the thirteen others were recommended from the zones.
Some of the newly inaugurated members of the BoT of PDP are; former Benue state Governors, Samuel Ortorm, Mr Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, former Governor of Edo State, Architect Dairus Ishaku, former Governor of Taraba State and Ibrahim Shekarau, former Kano State Governor.
Others included Mr Labaran Maku, former Minister of Information under former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mrs Zainab Kure, former Senator and Auwal Tukur, former member of the House of of Representatives.
The list also included Mrs Onikepo Oshodi, Hamid Badamasi Bello Suleiman, Mohammed Gusau, Bagudu Hilse, Mustapha Kabir, Zainab Galadima, Chinwe Onuora, Gbenga Onigbogi and Mulikat Ladoja.
Alhaji Ahmed Markarfi, former Governor of Kaduna State and Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees announced that 23 of the new members were nominated by their states, while 16 are representing the zones.
Senator Adolphus Wabara, the BoT Chairman, in his welcome remarks, expressed deep hope for the party, despite the recent wave of defection that hit the party.
According to him, “I am overwhelmed and I’m sure that my colleagues and friends here present are equally overwhelmed to see and witness that we still have this retinue of quality Nigerians in this great party, which speaks volumes.
“The board of trustees has always contended that the PDP shall not die. This is manifesting itself now”, he said.
Wabara said the “God of PDP never sleeps and will never sleep”
He noted that the new inductees were a distinguished group of individuals whose dedication, experience and unwavering loyalty to the Party have earned them a place on this prestigious board.
The former Senate President reminded them that their appointment is “a call to service, a call to uphold the integrity, unity and vision of our party as we continue to strive for a more prosperous and democratic Nigeria.
“As custodians of the party’s conscience, the BOT plays a critical role in providing wise counsel, fostering stability and ensuring that our decisions align with the core objectives of the PDP.
“Your role as members of the board is not only to guide and support the leadership of the party, but also to act as a stabilising force in times of challenges and uncertainties.
“Today’s inauguration is particularly significant as we prepare to navigate the evolving political landscape and work tirelessly to restore the PDP as the foremost party in Nigeria. The task ahead is demanding, but with unity, determination and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, we shall overcome.
“To our new members, I urge you to remember that your presence on the board is not just a position of honour, but a position of responsibility. It is a call to serve with integrity, transparency and an unwavering dedication to the collective good of our party and our nation”, he stressed.
Wabara equally charged the new BoT members to work together to uphold the vision of the founding fathers and to build a stronger, more inclusive and more progressive PDP.
His words: “Together, we shall lead our party to new heights of success and relevance in the Nigerian political landscape”.
The acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Ilya Damagum noted that the Board of Trustees as the conscience of the party, the Constitution entrusts it with the great responsibility of guiding the PDP not just as Nigeria’s leading party but as a beacon for Africa.
Damagum who was represented by the acting National Secretary of the party, Architect Setonji Koshoedo assured the new inductees of his full support in ensuring the smooth running of the party.
