Sunday July 06, 2025
By Our Political Reporter
The entire structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Yobe State has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), leaving behind only the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, who hails from the state, Newsweek reported.
The mass defection, which has thrown the PDP into fresh crisis in the northeastern state, is being seen as a significant blow to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite the development, Damagum remains optimistic. Speaking during a press briefing at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, flanked by key party officials including the reinstated National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, the acting chairman expressed confidence that those who left would eventually return.
“To those that are contemplating, they should know that there is no place and there is nowhere that will be as accommodating as our party,” Damagum said.
“But if they feel otherwise, I will wish them good luck. But I know they will run back.”
Damagum said the PDP had successfully resolved internal disagreements that had previously led to discontent among members, and insisted that the party was now unified and stronger.
“We remain united despite all the challenges. We have sat down to discuss all thorny issues and have thrashed them out,” he said. “To our members, I bring good tidings—that your party is intact.”
In a pointed message to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Damagum accused the party of attempting to destabilize the opposition through intimidation and inducements, but warned that Nigerians were watching closely ahead of 2027.
“To APC, you can continue to harass and buy our members, but the 2027 election is between Nigerians and the APC,” he warned.
“Hunger, insecurity, and arbitrary extortion of Nigerians are more than overwhelming. It is time for the ruling party to change course.”
He also emphasized the PDP’s legacy and its capacity to weather internal crises.
“This is the only party in the country that has lasted this long,” he said.
“We have mastered the art of conflict resolution. We know our problems and we solve them within ourselves.”
In a veiled threat to members perceived to be sabotaging the party, Damagum said the PDP would no longer tolerate disloyalty and would take decisive action against those demarketing the party.
“We are drawing a line,” he said. “If you believe in this party, you should be an ambassador that protects the fortunes that this party has given to the citizens of this country.”
The defection of the entire Yobe PDP structure marks another major gain for the ADC, which has recently seen a wave of high-profile defections from both the PDP and APC, positioning itself as a potential third force in the build-up to the 2027 elections.
