The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its total support for the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun, dismissing claims of any parallel leadership within the opposition party.
The forum made its position known after a crucial meeting held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Abuja, which had 29 state chairmen in attendance.
In a communiqué released at the end of the meeting, the forum described Damagun as “the authentic National Chairman of the PDP.”
The state chairmen expressed confidence in the leadership of the National Working Committee (NWC) and commended the unity currently being enjoyed in the party under Damagun’s watch.
However, they also lauded the judiciary for what they called a “courageous and well-considered judgment” delivered by Justice Akintola, which cleared the way for the party’s forthcoming National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In the communiqué, the forum stated: “Total Support for the National Leadership: The Forum unequivocally reaffirms its total support, confidence, and loyalty to the National Chairman of our great Party, Ambassador Umar Damagun, and the entire National Working Committee (NWC).”
The chairmen urged delegates across the country to begin full preparations for the convention and ensure the election of credible and loyal leaders who will strengthen the PDP’s structure ahead of future elections.
They also highlighted the synergy between the National Working Committee led by Damagun, the PDP Governors’ Forum under Senator Bala Mohammed, and the Board of Trustees chaired by Senator Adolphus Wabara, describing it as a key factor in stabilizing the party.
On discipline, the communiqué emphasized the need to maintain order within the party and called on all state chapters to apply relevant constitutional provisions against members whose actions could threaten the unity or image of the PDP.
The forum further reaffirmed its commitment to the success of the party, pledging continued loyalty to the national leadership and renewed efforts to rebuild public trust in the PDP.
In a clear stance, the forum distanced itself from the faction led by Abdurahman, believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
It maintained that “the PDP has only one National Chairman, Umar Damagun,” warning that any attempt to create a parallel leadership was an act of sabotage against the party’s stability.
According to the communiqué, the presence of chairmen from the North Central zone, reinforced their collective stand and loyalty to the party’s recognized leadership.
The statement was jointly signed by Tony Aziegbemi, Edo State Chairman and Chairman of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen, and Edward Mashal, Kaduna State Chairman and Secretary of the Forum.
They ended by restating its readiness to uphold unity, internal democracy, and discipline within the PDP as it prepares for the national convention in Ibadan.