ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed concerns over the recent political coalition that adopted the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as its platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the alliance as inconsequential.
Speaking at the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, said the PDP remains the only party with the structure, national reach, and legacy to lead Nigeria back on the path of progress.
“I must address the matter of a so-called coalition recently formed, which includes some defecting members of our party,” Damagum stated. “This political experiment is nothing to lose sleep over. Many who jumped on the coalition bandwagon have already returned. Some even claimed they never left—we welcome them back without prejudice.”
He added that even individuals from other political parties who initially joined the coalition are now returning, a move he says reflects a growing recognition of the PDP’s enduring relevance.
Damagum reaffirmed that the PDP is focused on reclaiming power in 2027, maintaining that the party remains grounded in its commitment to nation-building and responsive governance.
Also speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said the party sympathised with those who had left due to impatience but insisted the party would no longer tolerate indiscipline.
“This is not the time for name-calling or abuses. We sympathise with those who became impatient and left, but our doors remain open—within limits,” Mohammed said.
He commended the resilience of the party amid internal and external challenges and praised the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) members for their willingness to step down early to pave way for unity.
“They have shown that they are with us. We must appreciate that, because if everyone becomes dogmatic, we won’t make progress,” he added.
The PDP NEC meeting also approved plans to hold its next national convention in November, expressing hope that more defectors would return to the party as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
