Defection: We’ll Fix Gayam Ward in 2027 — Hajiya Farida Umar Says Those Who Left PDP Lack Democratic Courage

By David Odama

Former National Ex-Officio candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hajiya Farida Umar, on Monday declared that members leaving the party for other platforms lack the democratic courage to withstand the challenges of politics.

She also assured that the party will correct the lapses in Gayam Ward by 2027.

Speaking during a routine visit to the PDP state secretariat in Lafia, the prominent Nasarawa State political activist vowed never to abandon the PDP, insisting that no level of persuasion could force her to defect either at the state or national level.

“I must say it loud and clear that those who left our party lack democratic temerity. Why would anyone abandon PDP for another party? They were in court challenging the process; as democrats, I expected them to remain within the PDP and work for change, rather than defecting to another platform,” she stated.

Explaining why she rejected overtures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hajiya Farida revealed she was invited to one of their meetings in Akwanga but turned down the offer.

“They actually invited me to one of their meetings at Akwanga. I listened to them and told them PDP hasn’t done badly enough to be deserted. Instead, we should tolerate each other and apply democratic strategies to outwit our opponents,” she said.

It will be recalled that Hajiya Farida was allegedly listed as a member of the ADC steering committee without her consent. She rejected the appointment and reaffirmed her loyalty to the PDP.

“I am from Gayam Ward, one of the flashpoints in the 2023 gubernatorial election. Rather than leaving, I will work with committed stakeholders to deliver PDP in the area in 2027. We won’t allow the mistakes of 2023 to repeat. We are already mobilizing, especially among women groups, to secure real votes. They won’t rig us out again,” she vowed.

On the role of religion in politics, she stressed that leadership should be based on individual capacity, not religious affiliation.

“I will work for whoever emerges as PDP’s governorship candidate in 2027, whether Dr. David Ombugadu or any other person, as long as it is the PDP.”

Commenting on her relationship with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Hajiya Farida noted that he had played his role in Nigeria’s politics, but she had her own path to follow.

“With due respect, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has played his part. I have mine to pursue. Jumping from one party to another won’t bring the desired results at this stage in my political journey. Each defection costs you followers,” she argued.

Debunking rumors of her defection to ADC, she said:
“As you can see, I am here to pay homage to my party. I had to quickly dismiss the fake news that I defected to the ADC coalition. I did that even when they begged me not to go public. PDP remains strong in Nasarawa. The ADC coalition cannot be a threat because the umbrella is deeply rooted at the grassroots. Those who left did so for personal reasons,” she concluded.