Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, was noticeably absent from the party’s North East Zonal Caucus meeting held on Thursday in Bauchi State.
The meeting was attended by the three PDP governors in the region—Bauchi State’s Bala Mohammed, Taraba State’s Dr. Agbu Kefas, and Adamawa State’s Ahmadu Umar Fintiri. Also present were senators, members of the House of Representatives, and state lawmakers from the zone.
Discussions at the meeting centered on preparations for the party’s upcoming zonal and national conventions, as well as strategies to strengthen the PDP in the region.
Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagun, urged party leaders to set aside their differences and prioritize unity. He emphasized that while individual interests exist in politics, the party’s collective strength is paramount.
“Interest is paramount, but you can only realize your interest when your vehicle is strong enough to take you to your destination,” Damagun said. “The PDP is a tested and trusted party, and we have experienced politicians who can weather any storm.”
He assured members that his leadership is not driven by personal loyalty to any individual but by a commitment to the party’s progress. “Nobody is above the people’s party,” he stated. “We will support and recognize you, but if you derail, we will part ways with you.”
In his remarks, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors Forum, reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to strengthening the party.
As part of efforts to promote reconciliation and reduce internal conflicts, Mohammed announced a rotation of key party positions among states in the region.
“To minimize rancor, positions in different states will be swapped—those in Gombe will move to Bauchi, those in Borno to Yobe, and those in Adamawa to Taraba, and vice versa,” he explained.
He also assured members that former zonal leaders who had left the party would be welcomed back and reintegrated. “We will rehabilitate them, keep them, and make them proud that they were once our zonal chairmen,” Mohammed added.
