By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has declared that the party can no longer afford internal cracks as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Damagum made the remark on Monday at the Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting held at the PDP National Headquarters in Abuja, ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) session.
He said unity remains the strongest message the PDP can send to Nigerians, stressing that it is the only way the party can function as “a credible, vibrant and dominant opposition, alive and ready to challenge the misrule of the APC and to offer Nigerians hope and leadership.”
According to him, the BoT meeting was of special significance because Nigeria is at the threshold of the PDP National Convention. He added that the responsibility before party leaders is enormous, with choices made in the coming weeks set to determine both the immediate future of the PDP and the destiny of the country.
Damagum noted that while recent factional issues had not derailed the party’s image, they served as a reminder of the need for vigilance, dialogue, and unity. “We cannot afford internal cracks at such a critical time in the life of our nation. Equally, the sensitive issue of the national zoning committee must be handled with seriousness and inclusivity,” he said.
He emphasized that zoning has been a pillar of balance, stability, and fairness within the PDP, adding that decisions taken at this stage would shape the confidence Nigerians place in the party’s internal democratic processes.
In his remarks, Chairman of the BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, represented by Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, commended members for their steadfast commitment and resilience.
He described the gathering as a call for reflection, unity, and renewed determination. “Our party, the PDP, has a proud history as the custodian of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. Once again, the hopes of millions of sovereign Nigerians are tied to our collective capacity to reconcile and position this party ahead of 2027. However, if we are to succeed in 2027, we must embrace unity, sacrifice, and reconciliation,” Makarfi stated.