Samuel Omang
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed that its National Elective Convention will hold in Ibadan on November 15–16, 2025, dismissing conditions issued by allies of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and warning that indiscipline and impunity will no longer be tolerated within the party.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 119-member National Convention Planning Committee, the PDP said the convention is central to its renewal ahead of 2027 and will not be held hostage by factional demands.
PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, declared the Ibadan convention “sacrosanct,” stressing that the party remains the most formidable opposition platform. He said the NWC under his leadership had “held the line” through reconciliation and restraint, and charged the convention committee to be guided by fairness, equity, justice and unity of purpose, urging members to put aside grievances that do not serve the collective interest.
The Board of Trustees, through its Chairman Adolphus Wabara, represented by Secretary Ahmed Makarfi, affirmed the party’s established North/South zoning equilibrium while making clear that no member should be excluded. The BoT insisted positions may be micro-zoned by regions, but any aspirant retains the right to buy forms and test strength at the convention, urging stakeholders not to “raise the temperature” and to respect PDP’s tradition of inclusivity.
Reinforcing the party line, the PDP Governors’ Forum—through its Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed—backed strict internal discipline and warned that the party would not bow to arrogance or blackmail. He emphasized confidence in INEC and said the convention would proceed as planned.
The Convention Planning Committee, co-chaired by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, pledged a credible, consensus-seeking process that strengthens the PDP’s structures for the 2027 elections.
With the National Chairman, the BoT, and the governors aligned, the PDP has put all camps on notice: they are saying the convention timetable stands, inclusivity is guaranteed, and party supremacy—not factional ultimatums—will guide the Ibadan exercise.