Iliya Damagum and the thankless job of repositioning PDP by Ali Mustapha
One thing everyone can attest to is the fact that Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum is a gentleman. Nobody can use him to destroy the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) which he and his colleagues have worked hard to built over the years, and they are ready to die for in safeguarding party democracy.
The claim that President Bola Tinubu and Federal Capital Territory Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike are using Damagum to weakened PDP as an opposition party is a lie from the pit of hell. Political conspiracies and rumors are common in Nigeria’s political landscape.
There is no denying the fact PDP has been dealing with internal crises, and challenges since its loss in the 2023 presidential elections. These issues are as a result of internal party dynamics rather than external manipulation. Anybody who knows Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum knows that he would never be a political tool to be manipulated by anybody.
READ ALSO: Sacked PDP National Secretary may face imprisonment
Since he assumed position as Acting National Chairman of the party after the 2023 presidential elections, Umar Iliya Damagum has not been spared of all the blame for the electoral loss and all the crisis that bedevilled the party in the past. The saying that “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” absolutely demonstrates the heavy burden Damagum carries.
In spite of the fact that he inherited all the problems in the party, Damagum has chosen to remain calm and composed approach to help navigate the party through its challenges and internal conflicts. He has agreed to take all the bullet to make peace and accelerate the healing process in the party.
As a leader, Damagum has taken responsibility of all the good, the bad and the ugly, and his loyalty and commitment in finding lasting solution to the crises was never in doubt. His strategy is to promote dialogue, reduce tension, and foster unity among members, which is essential for rebuilding trust and strengtgening the party.
Damagum’s demeanor is a deliverate effort to stabilize the PDP and prepare it for future political engagements. Under his leadership, the PDP has initiated reconciliation and disciplinary measures to address internal disputes and enhance party unity.
There is no doubt, the Acting National Chairman has not deviated from his laser-focused reforms in repositioning the PDP, to become a democratic, ruled-based, open, people-focused and people-led party that would set the highest standards in internal party democracy.
It is this that I found a lot of the false narratives about Damagum’s leadership as a distraction rather than positive contribution to internal (and external) party debate by not focusing on the ongoing rebuilding and repositioning process critical to the survival of the party which many find irritating and annoying.
My analysis is that Damagum’s loyalty and dedication to the party’s reforms agenda reflects his resolve to navigate challenges and position the PDP as a formidable force in Nigeria’s political arena and we must all see having a vibrant opposition as the only path to democratic development and progress.
Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum’s ambition is to see the People’s Democratic Party, PDP return to its foundational vision of its founding farhers that advances the interests of the ordinary Nigerian rather than remain in office for personal gain.
If anyone was in doubt that Damagum posed a destructive threat to the existence of the PDP at a time he is working towards finding a lasting solutions to inter and intra party challenges should clear his mindset.
Ali Mustapha wrote in from Abuja
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
