The Acting National Chairman of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad, has pledged to restore internal democracy and end impunity within the party.
Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of the PDP’s new Board of Trustees in Abuja, held at the residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Muhammad described the occasion as a “symbol of rebirth” for the once-dominant political party.
Okay News reports that Muhammad, who previously served as the PDP National Vice Chairman (North Central), assumed leadership following the suspension of Ambassador Umar Damagum by a faction led by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu.
In his remarks, Muhammad stated that the PDP had strayed from its founding ideals due to years of internal crisis and disregard for its own constitution. “For too long, impunity became culture, and internal democracy became an afterthought. But today, we have reached the point of renewal,” he said.
He urged members to embrace unity and accountability, noting that the party’s decline began when zoning principles were ignored before the 2015 general elections. “Today marks a significant turning point in the life of the Peoples Democratic Party. We have come together, not merely to inaugurate a new Board of Trustees, but to renew our faith in the ideals that gave birth to this great political family – justice, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law,” he added.
Muhammad reminded the new Board members that their appointment was not a reward for loyalty but a “sacred trust” to rebuild public confidence in the PDP. “The responsibility before you is enormous — to speak truth to power, to defend justice, and to ensure that the PDP remains a home for all Nigerians,” he said.
He later went into a closed-door session with key figures of the party, including the former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; PDP National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu; and former Abia North Senator, Mao Ohuabunwa.
