PDP Ratifies Umaru Damagum as Substantive National Chairman at Ibadan Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally ratified Ambassador Umaru Damagum as its substantive National Chairman, marking a major step toward stabilizing its national leadership structure ahead of future electoral cycles. The ratification took place during the party’s 2025 Elective National Convention, held on Saturday at the mainbowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State. The convention, attended by approximately 3,000 accredited delegates from across the country, served as a decisive platform for affirming internal party authority after months of factional disputes and legal debates.

The motion to confirm Damagum as National Chairman was moved by Hon. Tony Abineri, Chairman of the PDP Edo State chapter, who spoke on behalf of the assembled delegates. Abineri cited Section 32 of the PDP Constitution (as amended), which provides the legal framework for filling leadership positions within the party structure. According to him, the ratification was not only consistent with the constitution but also necessary to ensure coherent national leadership as the party prepares for upcoming political battles.

The motion was seconded by Edward Marshal, and according to party officials present, the decision received unanimous approval—an indication of wide internal support for Damagum’s continued stewardship of the PDP at the national level. The confirmation solidifies Damagum’s transition from acting chairman to substantive chairman, following a prolonged period of internal crisis that had seen several stakeholders dispute leadership legitimacy within the party.

Before the convention, the party had been confronted with numerous court cases seeking to restrain it from holding the national congress. However, senior party members and legal advisers cited existing Supreme Court rulings affirming that issues related to a political party’s congresses, conventions, and leadership arrangements fall strictly within the internal affairs of the party and are outside the jurisdiction of regular courts. This legal position provided confidence for the PDP to proceed with the convention despite attempts to halt the process through interim court orders.

Party insiders described Damagum’s ratification as a strategic step intended to project unity ahead of future elections. Over the past year, the PDP has been grappling with internal divisions, particularly relating to power blocs aligned with different national political figures. By confirming Damagum, party leaders hope to send a message of stability to members, stakeholders, and supporters nationwide.

The convention also served as a symbolic moment for the PDP, which has been seeking to reassert itself nationally after losing significant political ground in the last two electoral cycles. With the confirmation now settled, attention is expected to turn to broader internal reforms, reconciliation among divided factions, and the rebuilding of party structures at state and ward levels.

As Damagum assumes full authority as National Chairman, his task will involve navigating lingering tensions, strengthening party discipline, and preparing the PDP for competitive engagement in the 2027 and 2031 elections. His leadership is expected to play a central role in determining whether the PDP can regain its footing as a major national force in Nigeria’s political landscape.