The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to reach out to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), to persuade him to return to the party that “built his political foundation and elevated him to prominence.”
Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum disclosed this during an interview with the BBC. He was responding to Kwankwaso’s recent remark that the PDP is “dead” and incapable of making significant political strides in the future.
Damagum expressed optimism about reuniting with Kwankwaso, despite the senator’s harsh criticism of the PDP.
“Kwankwaso’s statements about the PDP being dead are unfortunate. This is the same party that nurtured him and gave him the platform to achieve his political ambitions. When he and others left in 2015, many thought the PDP would crumble, but the party survived and continues to thrive,” Damagum said.
He described the PDP as the only political party in Nigeria with a solid structure capable of winning elections across the country, even after more than two decades. He also claimed that no other party, even a coalition of several, could match the PDP’s strength.
Damagum acknowledged that Kwankwaso had valid grievances that led to his departure from the PDP. He admitted that efforts were made to address these issues in the past, but they were unsuccessful.
“I personally tried to mediate when Kwankwaso was dissatisfied, but it didn’t work out. However, we believe he still has a place in the PDP. No party is better suited to his political aspirations than ours,” Damagum explained.
The PDP chairman expressed confidence in the possibility of reconciliation. He revealed that the party intends to engage with Kwankwaso soon, assuring him of equal opportunities within the PDP.
“The PDP remains a home for anyone who has left in anger. When they return, we welcome them warmly and treat them fairly. We believe Kwankwaso’s future aspirations will be better achieved with the PDP,” he added.
