The Deputy National Chairman (North) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has expressed strong condemnation of the recent defection of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and other prominent PDP members, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Damagum described the political shift as “sad and unfortunate,” highlighting the growing disarray within the opposition party as key figures abandon their ranks in pursuit of new political allegiances.

The defections, which were announced in a series of high-profile events, have raised eyebrows within the political circles, leaving many to question the internal dynamics of the PDP. Damagum, speaking during an interview with news outlets on Thursday, expressed disappointment at the turn of events, calling out Okowa and Oborevwori’s decision to join the APC as a betrayal of the core values they once championed within the PDP.

A Betrayal of PDP’s Core Ideals

Damagum, known for his outspoken and fiery rhetoric, stated that the defection of Okowa, who served as the PDP vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, and Oborevwori, who is the newly elected governor of Delta State, was a clear indication of the lack of loyalty and ideological consistency among some of the key players within the party.

“It is a sad and unfortunate turn of events for the PDP. These individuals were once at the forefront of our campaign, championing the ideals of democracy, good governance, and justice,” Damagum said. “For them to turn their backs on the party and join the APC at this critical juncture, especially after the hard-fought 2023 elections, is a betrayal of the values they once stood for. It is deeply disappointing.”

He added that the defections came at a time when the PDP should be focused on strengthening its base and preparing for the challenges of future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections, where the opposition party hopes to wrest power from the APC.

APC vs Nigeria in 2027

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Damagum boldly declared that the political landscape will essentially be shaped by a battle between the APC and the Nigerian people. He predicted that the ruling APC, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, will face intense opposition from Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the state of affairs in the country.

“The 2027 election will not just be APC versus the opposition; it will be APC versus Nigeria itself. The people of this country are fed up with the mismanagement and failure of the APC government. They will demand change, and we will be there to provide it,” Damagum stated.

He emphasized that while the defection of key figures like Okowa and Oborevwori might weaken the PDP temporarily, it will not derail the party’s ultimate goal of returning to power in 2027. Damagum also noted that defections are a common occurrence in Nigerian politics and that the party would focus on rebuilding its strength through unity, transparency, and a clear vision for the future.

PDP’s Resilience in the Face of Setbacks

Despite the setback caused by the defections, Damagum remained optimistic about the future of the PDP, stating that the party would continue to stand as the true alternative to the APC. He reiterated that the PDP’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, such as unemployment, insecurity, and economic mismanagement, would resonate with the electorate in the coming years.

“The PDP is still the party that can offer solutions to Nigeria’s problems. We are committed to providing good governance, creating jobs, ensuring security, and restoring the country’s dignity on the global stage,” he said. “Those who are leaving our ranks now will realize that they have made the wrong decision, and they will be left behind when the real battle for Nigeria’s future begins.”

Damagum also pointed out that while the defections may be disappointing, they were not entirely unexpected given the nature of Nigerian politics, where political alliances often shift based on personal interests and ambitions. He assured the PDP’s supporters that the party would continue to build on its grassroots support and engage the Nigerian people directly to understand their needs and aspirations.

Calls for Unity Within the PDP

One of the key messages Damagum delivered during the interview was the need for unity within the PDP. He called on party members, especially at the grassroots level, to remain united in their commitment to restoring the party to its former glory. He urged members to focus on building the party’s strength from the bottom up, while ensuring that the leadership remains accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.

“We cannot afford to be divided at this critical moment. We need every single member of the PDP to stay focused and work toward the common goal of reclaiming the mandate of the people,” Damagum said.

He also called for more inclusivity within the party, stressing the importance of embracing new ideas and fresh leadership to guide the PDP to victory in 2027. According to Damagum, the party must remain forward-thinking and responsive to the changing political dynamics in the country.

The Road to 2027

Looking toward 2027, Damagum reiterated that the PDP’s mission is clear: to provide a genuine alternative to the APC and offer Nigerians a vision for a better future. He noted that the current government’s handling of the economy, security, and social services has left many Nigerians disillusioned, and the PDP is ready to provide a leadership that can address these pressing challenges.

“The road to 2027 will not be easy, but we are ready for the challenge. We have the experience, the commitment, and the determination to bring about the change that Nigeria needs,” he said.

As the PDP prepares for the 2027 election, Damagum’s words serve as a rallying cry for the party’s members to remain focused and resolute in their efforts to defeat the APC and restore Nigeria’s democratic ideals.

Conclusion

The defection of prominent figures such as Okowa and Oborevwori has undeniably shaken the PDP, but with strong leadership and a clear vision, the party remains poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s political future. As the 2027 general elections approach, the opposition party is determined to offer Nigerians an alternative to the APC, and it is clear that the battle for the country’s future is far from over.