By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdulrahman Mohammed, has assured party members that he will work to reposition the opposition party and lead it to greater heights ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mohammed gave the assurance on Wednesday night in Abuja during a grand reception dinner organised by the PDP National Youth Leader, Ibrahim Bala-Aboki, in his honour.
Addressing party faithful, the PDP chairman expressed appreciation to the youth wing of the party for organising the event, describing the honour as a recognition of the contributions of young people to the growth and stability of the party.
“It started some time ago and some people thought it would not be possible, but today it is possible. By God’s grace, under my leadership, I will make the PDP greater and take it to a higher place for all of us,” Mohammed said.
He noted that the party was gradually regaining strength, claiming that several members who had previously defected were finding their way back to the PDP.
According to him, the party’s stability was made possible through the support of key stakeholders, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as a committed leader of the party.
“Under the leadership of our leader, Nyesom Wike, we are going to do everything possible to ensure that we have a stable party from the ward to the national level,” he stated.
Mohammed also urged party officials at all levels to adhere strictly to the PDP constitution, party guidelines and electoral regulations to avoid unnecessary crises.
He emphasized the need for greater youth and women inclusion in the political process, stressing that politics should focus on development rather than violence and thuggery.
“It is not about political thuggery. It is about doing the needful during and after elections. Under my leadership, we will continue to advocate for greater inclusion of youths and women in governance,” he added.
Earlier, the PDP National Youth Leader, Bala-Aboki, described Mohammed’s emergence as National Chairman as a major milestone for young people within the party.
He credited Wike for supporting youth participation in leadership and praised the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, for helping to stabilize the party.
According to Bala-Aboki, Mohammed’s emergence as the youngest National Chairman in the history of the PDP had renewed confidence among young party members across the country.
“Over the years, Hon. Mohammed has demonstrated an uncommon ability to bridge divides, unite interests, and connect seamlessly with party elders, women leaders and the teeming membership of our great party.
“Today, we in the youth constituency are immensely proud of our national Chairman. We are confident that his tenure will usher in renewed unity, purposeful administration and greater political victories for our great party. We pray that God Almighty continues to guide, strengthen and perfect all his undertakings.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s gathering is not merely a celebration; it is also a statement; a bold declaration that the time of the youth has truly come. Young people from different demographics have gathered here to identify with one of our own, and this moment must inspire greater commitment, sacrifice and participation among PDP youths nationwide. We count on youths to seize this opportunity” he charged the gathering.
The National Youth Leader also announced the commencement of the PDP National Youth Leadership Consultative Forum and a revalidation exercise for youth support groups nationwide.
He called on young members of the party to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the new leadership to strengthen the PDP ahead of future elections.
Also speaking at the event, the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu dismissed claims that the PDP was divided, insisting that there was only one recognized leadership of the party.
“There is only one PDP in Nigeria. There is no faction. PDP is alive, strong and becoming stronger,” he declared.
The PDP National Secretary commended Bala-Aboki for revitalising the youth wing of the party and expressed optimism that the PDP would record significant electoral victories in upcoming governorship and legislative elections.
He further predicted the return of several former members and elected officials who had defected to other political parties.
Anyanwu maintained that despite recent challenges, the PDP remained Nigeria’s most formidable political party and was well-positioned to reclaim political ground ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The high point of the event was the presentation of the Grand Commander of PDP Youth Award to Wike. The award was received on his behalf by the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South).
The reception attracted PDP governorship candidates, National Assembly candidates, party officials and youth leaders from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
