The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held a full session on Wednesday, with all members of the party’s leadership in attendance, signalling a renewed commitment to internal unity and preparation for upcoming political activities.
The meeting, chaired by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, included key stakeholders such as Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who convened the session.
Addressing journalists after the meeting at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, Damagum reaffirmed the unity of the NWC and the party’s resilience in resolving internal disputes.
“Our leaders brought us together to lead this party, and that is what you are seeing here today. The PDP remains the only political party in Nigeria with lasting structures and the capacity for internal conflict resolution,” he said.
Damagum urged party loyalists to remain steadfast, saying, “To those contemplating leaving, they should know that no other platform offers the kind of accommodation and history that PDP does. If they leave, I know they’ll return.”
He announced that the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for July 23–25 will proceed as planned, adding, “To our members, I bring good tidings—your party is intact and focused.”
On national issues, the acting chairman criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over rising hunger, insecurity, and economic hardship. “The 2027 elections will be determined by these issues, not party slogans. Nigerians are watching, and the suffering is overwhelming,” he said.
Damagum also cautioned against anti-party activities, warning that PDP would monitor and take appropriate actions against members who engage in campaigns that undermine the party’s image.
“If you believe in this party, then be an ambassador for it. Help preserve the legacy and contributions the PDP has made to this country,” he added.
Meanwhile, the NWC has released the timetable and schedule of activities for upcoming bye-elections across several states. According to a statement by National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms will begin Thursday, July 3, and close on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The deadline for form submission is Friday, July 11.
Bye-elections will be held in the following constituencies:
- Adamawa: Ganye State Constituency
- Anambra: Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North State Constituency
- Edo: Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency
- Jigawa: Batura/Garki Federal Constituency
- Kaduna: Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Zaria/Kawasaki, and Basawa State Constituency
- Kano: Shanono/Bagwai State Constituency
- Kogi: Okura II State Constituency
- Niger: Munya State Constituency
- Ogun: Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency
- Oyo: Ibadan North Federal Constituency
- Taraba: Karim Lamido I State Constituency
- Zamfara: Kaura Namoda South State Constituency
Ologunagba assured party members and stakeholders of a transparent and credible nomination process, stating that interested and eligible members should obtain and submit their forms at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
