The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has urged party leaders and members to brace up for the task of rescuing Nigeria, saying the opposition has a vital role to play in redirecting the country toward progress.

Damagum made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the emergency meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge. The meeting was attended by top party figures including Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, Acting National Secretary Koshedo Setonji, former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, and ex-Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki.

The gathering came as the PDP finalized preparations for its national elective convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The convention’s fate had briefly been uncertain following a Federal High Court ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which restrained the party from proceeding due to procedural issues. However, a counter-ruling by Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court on Tuesday gave the party the green light to go ahead, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor the process.

Speaking at the meeting, Damagum praised Justice Akintola’s courage, describing the ruling as a victory for democracy and internal party freedom.

“Justice Akintola’s ruling affirming our right to hold the 2025 elective convention is not just a win for our party but for democracy itself. In an era of judicial intimidation, it takes bravery to stand for truth and uphold the law,” he said.

The PDP chairman recalled inheriting a divided party when he assumed leadership and said his focus since then had been on reconciliation, not punishment.

“When I took office, I met a deeply divided house. Some wanted vengeance and sanctions, but I chose reconciliation. Every decision I made was for the sake of the party not individuals or factions, but the enduring institution that is the PDP,” Damagum explained.

He warned members against abandoning their beliefs for political convenience, saying it takes courage to remain in opposition.

“It is not easy to be a politician in opposition. When even those who once held the highest offices rush to align with the centre, we must honour those who remain steadfast and loyal to our democratic ideals,” he added.

Damagum called for a strong, principled leadership to emerge from the Ibadan convention, capable of uniting the party and providing a credible alternative to the ruling government.

“What Nigeria needs now is bold, visionary leadership and it must begin with us. Our incoming National Working Committee must consist of men and women of integrity who can rally our base and restore public confidence in the PDP,” he said.

In his opening remarks, BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, admitted that recent internal disputes had caused public concern but insisted the party was ready to move forward.

“The tensions and misunderstandings we’ve seen are not reflective of the PDP’s true character. It is time to draw a line and turn a new page,” Wabara said. “As the conscience of the party, the BoT will not take sides. Our duty is to safeguard the PDP’s integrity and ensure dialogue triumphs over discord.”

He emphasized reconciliation and unity as key to the party’s success in Ibadan.

“No ambition or grievance should override our collective interest. Nigerians are watching us closely, seeing in the PDP the only organized platform capable of rescuing the nation from insecurity, hardship, and division,” he added.

At the end of the meeting, the BoT issued a communique reaffirming its support for the Damagum-led National Working Committee, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and other organs of the party. It also welcomed Justice Akintola’s ruling as a “victory for democracy, rule of law, and political development.”

To foster reconciliation ahead of the convention, the BoT constituted a Reconciliation Committee chaired by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, with former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mike Oghiadomhe, as secretary.

Other members include Ugochukwu Okeke (South East), Zaynab Kure (North Central), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (South West), and Lubna Gusau (North West). The committee is expected to report back to the BoT on November 11, 2025, ahead of the convention.