PDP Reaffirms Umar Damagum as National Chairman, Sets Up Reconciliation Committee Ahead of Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially reaffirmed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum as its National Chairman following an emergency meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) held on Wednesday.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the BoT emphasized that the PDP remains “a united, formidable and focused political party” under the leadership of the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC).

“The BoT solidly stands with and commends the Amb. Iliya Damagum-led National Working Committee, the PDP Governors’ Forum, the National Convention Organizing Committee, and other key organs of the party for their collective efforts in stabilizing the PDP as we move toward the Elective National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State,” the statement read.

The BoT also hailed the recent ruling of the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice A. L. Akintola, which upheld the PDP’s constitutional right to manage its internal affairs and proceed with its 2025 Elective National Convention as planned. Describing the judgment as “a victory for democracy, the rule of law, and political development,” the BoT welcomed the decision as a major relief for the party.

However, the BoT expressed concern over recent internal disputes and tensions that have unsettled the party, including the invasion of the PDP National Secretariat. It said such incidents “do not reflect the ideals and character of the PDP.”

“As the conscience of the party, the BoT will not take sides but will remain committed to safeguarding the party’s integrity and promoting dialogue over discord. Our call for reconciliation is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of maturity and responsibility,” the statement added.

To address the internal crisis, the BoT announced the establishment of a High-Powered Reconciliation Committee tasked with uniting all factions ahead of the upcoming convention.

Committee Members include:

Amb. Hassan Adamu (North East) – Chairman

Chief Mike Oghiadomhe (South South) – Secretary

Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South East)

Senator Zaynab Kure (North Central)

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (South West)

Dr. Lubna Mohammed Gusau (North West)


The committee is expected to report back to the BoT on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, for further action.

In conclusion, the BoT reaffirmed its confidence in Damagum’s leadership and urged all members to work collectively toward a peaceful and successful national convention in Ibadan.