- The PDP plans to reach out to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, urging his return, despite his recent dismissal of the party’s relevance
- Acting National Chairman Damagun emphasized that Kwankwaso’s political success is tied to the PDP, calling it his best political home
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party, has announced plans to reach out to former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, urging him to return to the party that, according to them, shaped his political journey.
Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun, the PDP’s acting National Chairman, disclosed this during an interview with the BBC.
He was responding to Kwankwaso’s recent remarks dismissing the PDP as “dead” and incapable of achieving significant success in the future.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion,” Damagun said. “But let us not forget history. When some members left the PDP in 2015, believing they had weakened the party, it didn’t die then, and it certainly won’t die now.
Aside from the ruling APC, the PDP remains the only party capable of winning elections.”
Damagun highlighted that the PDP was open to welcoming back former members, including Senator Kwankwaso. He noted that Kwankwaso’s achievements in politics were closely tied to his association with the PDP in the past.
“It is unjust for Senator Kwankwaso to make such claims about the PDP,” Damagun said. “The platform gave him the opportunities that led to his political successes.”
While addressing Kwankwaso’s grievances about marginalization within the party, Damagun acknowledged that some of his concerns were valid. He shared that efforts had been made in the past to address these issues, but reconciliation attempts were unsuccessful.
“That said, there is no better political home for Senator Kwankwaso than the PDP,” Damagun insisted. “The party nurtured him and remains committed to rebuilding and challenging this oppressive government. We believe he can still play a significant role in this effort.”
The acting chairman expressed confidence in the PDP’s enduring strength, noting that the party, now 26 years old, continues to thrive with governors and senators across Nigeria.
He argued that no coalition of smaller parties could match the PDP’s nationwide influence.
Damagun concluded by reaffirming the party’s readiness to engage with Kwankwaso.
“We understand his frustrations, but the PDP has always welcomed back members who left in anger, offering them equal opportunities to contribute. We will soon reach out to Senator Kwankwaso, God willing, as we believe his current aspirations might be difficult to achieve outside the PDP.”
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