The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, on Monday declared that the PDP remains alive and resilient, as he inaugurated 39 new members into the party’s BoT in Abuja.
“PDP is not dead,” Wabara said emphatically during the ceremony, describing the inauguration as a reaffirmation of the party’s enduring values and collective commitment to rebuilding its national relevance.
Among the new inductees are former Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), Lucky Igbinedion (Edo), and Babangida Aliyu (Niger). Others include former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; ex-Minister of National Planning, Mohammed Daggash; former South West PDP Vice Chairman, Eddy Olafeso; and Ogun State PDP chieftain, Oladipupo Adebutu.
Wabara charged the new BoT members to uphold the integrity, unity, and vision of the party, describing their role as the custodians of the party’s conscience. “Your appointment is not just a title; it is a call to serve with integrity and wisdom. The challenges are great, but with unity and unwavering commitment to democracy, we shall overcome,” he said.
The former Senate President also reminded them of their duty to offer guidance, ensure stability, and defend the founding principles of the party.
“This is not just a celebration of fresh starts, but a call to restore the PDP as the foremost political force in Nigeria,” he added.
The inauguration comes as the PDP continues to grapple with internal divisions and mounting external pressure ahead of future elections. The BoT, as defined in Section 31(5) of the party’s 2017 Constitution (as amended), is expected to act as the moral compass, offering strategic direction and conflict resolution within the party.
Speaking on behalf of the new BoT members, Olafeso described the event as a “new beginning” for the PDP. “We are bringing in new ideas, people and energy to reposition the PDP as a credible opposition party. Many of us have remained committed to this party for over two decades, and we believe the best is yet to come,” he said.
He pledged that the board would work to restore public trust in the PDP, improve internal democracy, and contribute to national development.
In his remarks, the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, represented by Acting National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, congratulated the new members and encouraged them to support the National Working Committee (NWC) in managing the affairs of the party.
“The Board of Trustees is the conscience of the party, and we rely on your wisdom and experience to guide us through,” Damagum stated.
The BoT members will serve a three-year term and are expected to play a critical role in repositioning the PDP ahead of future political contests.
