Abuja: Nigeria’s main opposition political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has dismissed rumours suggesting that some aggrieved members are planning to organise a parallel national convention in Abuja to rival the officially sanctioned convention scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Addressing journalists at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the claims exist only in the realm of speculation and do not reflect the reality of the party’s unified preparations.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Ologunagba stressed that the decision to hold the elective national convention in Ibadan was unanimously endorsed by all organs of the party, including the National Executive Committee (NEC), the Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Working Committee (NWC), state chapters, and the PDP Governors’ Forum. He questioned the feasibility of a national convention without adherence to the Constitution and due process, highlighting INEC’s involvement in monitoring preparations and the commencement of committee work in Ibadan.
Ologunagba provided updates on the convention preparations, starting with the inauguration of a 44-member zoning committee led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri. This committee, with representatives from every state and party organ, is tasked with making recommendations on the zoning of national offices. Its findings will be reviewed at the 102nd NEC meeting scheduled for August 25, 2025.
In addition, the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), headed by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, has been established. This committee, supported by various subcommittees from across states and party organs, aims to ensure a successful convention. Ologunagba noted that inclusiveness was crucial in forming these committees to incorporate diverse ideas from all stakeholders.
He reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to internal democracy, inclusiveness, and due process, emphasizing that the Ibadan convention would demonstrate the party’s organizational capacity and readiness to serve as a credible alternative in 2027. The convention’s significance extends beyond electing party officers, as it aims to showcase the PDP’s ability to overcome challenges and uphold democratic values.