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By Oscar Okhifo
In a bid to reposition itself as a formidable opposition force, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday inducted 39 new members into its Board of Trustees (BoT).
Among the inductees were former governors Lucky Igbinedion (Edo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Samuel Ortom (Benue); former South West Vice Chairman, Eddy Olafeso; and former Nasarawa State governorship aspirant, Labaran Maku.
The BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, while inaugurating the new members, delivered a veiled response to recent remarks by the All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, asserting that “PDP will not die.”
Wabara emphasized that the party’s elders remain committed to rebuilding and restoring the vitiated image. He declared that PDP, despite recent defections will become better.
“I am overwhelmed and I’m sure my colleagues here are equally heartened. The quality and calibre of Nigerians being inducted today shows clearly that our party is far from over,” Wabara said.
He charged the new BoT members with the responsibility of guiding the party through turbulent political terrain, offering support and acting as a stabilizing influence.
“This moment is significant,” he added, “as we prepare to navigate the evolving political landscape and restore the PDP as Nigeria’s foremost party.”
Eddy Olafeso, speaking on behalf of the inductees, echoed the sentiment of renewal and resilience.
“This is a new beginning, a regeneration of our glorious past. With new ideas and leadership, we are working to make Nigeria better. We’re committed to returning PDP to greater heights,” he said.
He also noted the return of several former governors to the BoT, describing it as a positive sign of reconciliation and rebuilding.
The PDP National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, represented by Acting National Secretary, Arc. Setonji Koshoedo, urged the BoT to live up to its reputation as the “conscience of the party,” emphasizing their strategic role in guiding and stabilizing the PDP.
Other notable inductees included Senator Mustapha Khabee, Engineer Bello Suleiman, and Professor Ganyir Lombin.
The PDP BoT, which has a full capacity of 127 members, had been operating with about 35 members due to the expiration of tenures and defection of approximately 17 members.
The latest induction marks a major step toward restoring the board’s full strength and reinforcing the party’s internal structure.