PDP to hold National Convention in Ibadan, Nov 15 – 16

…heads to Court to reclaim seats of defected lawmakers, others

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced November 15 and 16 as dates for its 2025 Elective National Convention, scheduled to hold in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The decision was reached in Abuja on Thursday during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where the NEC empowered the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to immediately notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the time, venue, and agenda of the convention in line with Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and Part 2(12) of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022.

The NEC expressed satisfaction with the resolution of internal disputes that had threatened the unity of the party, describing the outcome as a signal of renewed unity within the PDP.

In an 11-point communiqué read by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the NEC stated: “NEC expressed satisfaction over the resolution of all contentions and disagreements within the party, which again demonstrates the ingrained patriotic disposition of PDP members and our party’s democratic principles of dialogue, mutual understanding, and commitment to the overall interest of the PDP and the common good of all Nigerians.

 “NEC reassures all party members and Nigerians that the PDP remains a strong, united, cohesive, stable, and focused political party repositioned to effectively play its role as the leading opposition party in galvanising all efforts towards rescuing our dear nation from the catastrophic misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

The NEC also approved the 2025 Elective National Convention Schedule of Activities and Timetable.

Under the approved timetable, the convention to elect new national officers will be held on Saturday, November 15 to Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

It also approved the membership composition of the National Convention Committee and the Zoning Committee to ensure a successful and credible convention.

In addition, the party condemned the actions of former members of the National and State Houses of Assembly who defected to other political parties while still retaining their seats. It directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to take legal steps to recover the mandates.

“In its determination to preserve all electoral mandates given to our party by Nigerians across the country, NEC directed the National Working Committee to take immediate legal action to recover the seats of all serving members of the National and State Assemblies elected on the platform of the PDP but who defected to another party.

 “By virtue of the self-executory provision of Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats, there being no division or merger with regard to the PDP.”

The NEC also expressed concerns about reports of some PDP members participating in the activities and meetings of opposition parties. It urged such members to reconsider their actions and recommit themselves to the PDP, warning that dual party membership is not allowed under the law.

 “NEC calls on these members to reconsider their actions and show loyalty and commitment as members of the PDP, especially as the law does not permit membership of two political parties at the same time.

 “NEC reassures such members of the successes recorded so far in addressing their concerns on issues relating to our party.”

Reiterating its readiness to reclaim power in 2027, the PDP fixed its 102nd NEC meeting for Monday, August 25, 2025.

Ahead of the NEC meeting, party leaders and stakeholders expressed delight over the turnout, which they said was a testament to the party’s resilience.

ALSO READ: PDP elated over 101st NEC meeting turnout

The meeting, held at the party’s National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, was attended by six PDP governors, including the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, and the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke. INEC officials were also in attendance.

The NEC meeting followed several failed attempts to convene and recent defections to the APC and alliances with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Despite this, the party said it remained optimistic about rebuilding.

“The composition of this NEC attests to the fact that the PDP is still one and waxing stronger,” said Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, in his opening remarks.

Damagum acknowledged past challenges, stating that while some members had left and later returned, others never truly departed.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who represented the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, conveyed the goodwill of the BoT. Makarfi, who serves as BoT Secretary, remarked:

 “People thought this meeting would never take place, but we are here to prove doubting Thomases wrong.”

He expressed confidence in the party’s ability to resolve internal issues and conduct a successful convention that would strengthen its position ahead of 2027.

“Nigeria is waiting for us. The outcome of the convention will redefine the political landscape. As we try to win back confidence, let’s measure our comments to avoid raising tensions again.”

Also speaking, the PDP Governors’ Forum reaffirmed its full support for the party, lamenting that some members had left out of impatience and missed the chance to be part of the party’s ongoing revival.

 “This NEC is quite important. We have come a long way, showing resilience, with the governors solidly behind you. We are working behind the scenes to support the BoT, the NWC, and the National Assembly caucuses.”

Senator Bala Mohammed, while extending a hand of reconciliation to defectors, warned against the indiscipline that once plagued the party, “We sympathise with those who were impatient and left. Our doors are open, but we will not continue to condone indiscipline. Indiscipline brought us to where we are today.”

He praised the party’s founding fathers for their contributions and emphasised the need for loyalty over personal grievances.

Senate and House of Representatives caucus leaders, Senator Abba Moro and Hon. Kingsley Chinda, also pledged lawmakers’ support for party unity and internal resolution mechanisms.

 “Those who are staying must be convinced that they can add value to the lives of the people, not those who gravitate from one party to another for the purpose of survival,” Senator Moro, the Senate Minority Leader, added.

 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE