The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has unanimously ratified Ambassador Umar Damagum as its substantive national chairman.
The motion was brought forward by Tony Abineri, the chairman of PDP’s Edo State chapter and head of the Forum of State Chairmen, on behalf of the more than 3,000 delegates present at the party's contentious national convention in Ibadan.
Edward Marshal, a senior party member, seconded it, citing Section 32 of the PDP Constitution (as amended).
Damagum, who until now had been acting chairman, expressed gratitude to party leaders for their confidence in him.
His confirmation follows a resolution by the PDP’s National Executive Committee earlier this year, recognizing his leadership in a period of internal tension.
Ahead of the convention, 29 state chairmen reaffirmed their backing for Damagum’s leadership and rejected a rival faction that had challenged his legitimacy.
Despite ongoing legal challenges — including court orders for the party to follow convention timetables — the Ibadan gathering appears to have solidified Damagum’s hold at the helm.
Calling on party members to look beyond infighting, Damagum urged leaders and delegates to rededicate themselves to building a stronger, more disciplined PDP.
