All set for PDP national convention in Ibadan

•Delegates arrive from 36 states, Abuja •Security beefed up around venue
•Party members insist there is no going back

PREPARATIONS are in top gear as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gets set to hold its national convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, with delegates already arriving from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The convention, scheduled for today and tomorrow at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, is expected to attract party chieftains, aspirants, stakeholders and observers from across the country.

Checks by Saturday Tribune reporters at the venue confirmed that the ancient city is already witnessing a significant influx of party faithful in anticipation of a convention expected to shape the PDP’s direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the end of a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Thursday night, the Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee and Governor of Adamawa State, Umar Fintiri, announced that the convention would proceed as scheduled in Ibadan.

The meeting, held at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge, had in attendance Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and other party leaders.

It was gathered that the party resolved to go ahead with the convention after the meeting and directed members from across the 36 states and the FCT to proceed to Ibadan for accreditation.

Accreditation began around noon on Friday at the Lekan Salami Stadium. Delegates from neighbouring states were the first to be attended to, while officials awaited others arriving from the far northern parts of the country.

Confirming the arrival of delegates, the PDP spokesperson in Oyo State, Michael Ogunsina, told Saturday Tribune: “All is set for the national convention of our party. Delegates have started arriving from the six geopolitical zones. Accreditation has commenced. With all necessary arrangements in place, the convention will go on as scheduled.”

Activities at the stadium

Sources within the party confirmed that logistics teams have been working round the clock to ensure seamless accreditation, security arrangements, transportation coordination and venue setup.

From banners and media stands to delegate seating arrangements and security barricades, Adamasingba Stadium has taken on the full colour and character of a major national political event.

The mood in Ibadan reflects excitement, anticipation and strategic politicking, as stakeholders engage in discussions on alliances, leadership permutations and the direction the party hopes to chart in the coming years.

For many delegates, the convention represents an opportunity to reposition the party, strengthen internal democracy and elect national officers capable of uniting its diverse membership.

Major stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, and PDP federal lawmaker, Stanley Olajide, were sighted inspecting preparations. When approached for comments, Ogundoyin simply said, “No comment.”

Legal tussle and conflicting rulings

Despite controversies surrounding the convention, including an earlier Federal High Court order in Abuja halting the exercise, preparations appear firmly on course. The PDP leadership has insisted that there is no going back.

In a separate judgment, the Oyo State High Court granted the PDP approval to proceed with its elective national convention and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend and monitor the exercise.

At another sitting, Justice Ladiran Akintola reaffirmed that the convention should hold.

Security arrangements and final preparations

Findings by Saturday Tribune further reveal that necessary security measures have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free event. Security agencies, including the police, the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) and other formations, have been mobilised to provide adequate coverage before, during and after the convention.

The convention, which begins today, will be rounded off tomorrow. A new National Executive Committee (NEC) is expected to emerge to pilot the affairs of the party, strengthen its structures and prepare it for the 2027 general elections and other off-cycle elections. The NEC will also oversee the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

Ibadan continues to witness steady arrivals, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the most pivotal gatherings in the PDP’s recent history. The city is ready, the delegates are arriving in full force and anticipation is building ahead of today’s opening session.