The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagum, has applauded the judiciary for standing firm in defence of democracy, describing Justice Ladiran Akintola’s ruling that cleared the way for the party’s national convention as a “bold stand against intimidation and moral decay.”
Damagum spoke on Wednesday, November 5, during an emergency meeting of the PDP Board of Trustees at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
The meeting was convened to finalise preparations for the November 15–16 national convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He told party leaders that Justice Akintola’s ruling was not only a legal victory for the PDP but also a moral boost for Nigeria’s democracy.
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“What Justice Akintola did, in this era of judicial intimidation and moral compromise, is an act of courage,” Damagum said. “It is a reminder that truth still has defenders in our courts.”
The court ruling came barely 24 hours after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja temporarily stopped the PDP from proceeding with the convention over alleged procedural flaws.
Justice Akintola, however, vacated the restraint, affirming that the party had complied with all legal provisions and directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to supervise the exercise.
Damagum described the ruling as a turning point for the PDP, saying it was time for members to demonstrate unity and discipline.
“We must remind ourselves that we do not need to be in power to begin our rescue mission. The work of rebuilding Nigeria begins here, within the opposition,” he declared.