LIVE UPDATES
Abuja, Nigeria – The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the postponement of its National Elective Convention from August to November 15–16, 2025, with Ibadan, Oyo State, selected as the new host city in place of Kano.
The decision, taken during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, is seen as a major move with both logistical and political implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the party’s leadership was satisfied with ongoing efforts to strengthen internal cohesion.
He confirmed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be officially notified about the change in date and venue.
The NEC also approved the setup of both the National Convention Committee and the Zoning Committee to ensure a fair and transparent process.
The shift to Ibadan
A stronghold of Governor Seyi Makinde has sparked speculation about growing internal rivalries, particularly between the Makinde faction and that of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Party insiders suggest the move is not merely administrative but a calculated step to bolster Makinde's influence within the PDP, further deepening tensions between the two former allies.
Zoning and Presidential Ticket: South Favored for 2027
In a closed-door session, the NEC also reportedly agreed to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a decision insiders say is meant to restore trust among southern stakeholders following the fallout of the 2023 elections.
One NEC member, who spoke anonymously, said the decision came after "careful political balancing" to reposition the party for victory in the upcoming polls.
While the decision may energize support from the southern bloc, it risks further straining relations with factions loyal to Wike, who has accused Makinde of flouting internal agreements and undermining party interests.
Makinde’s supporters, in turn, claim Wike is working behind the scenes to weaken the PDP in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Legal Action Against Defectors and Call for Loyalty
Another major resolution from the NEC meeting was the directive for the National Working Committee (NWC) to pursue legal action against lawmakers who defected from the PDP to other parties.
Citing Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the NEC insisted that any elected official who abandons the party has automatically forfeited their seat.
“To protect the mandates freely given to us by the Nigerian people, the NEC directed the NWC to take all necessary legal measures to recover these seats,” the communiqué stated.
Furthermore, the NEC voiced concern over reports that some PDP members are participating in the activities of rival political parties.
Ologunagba reiterated that dual membership is constitutionally prohibited, and urged such members to demonstrate loyalty and commitment to the PDP.
“Our doors remain open to reconciliation, but the law is clear, one cannot belong to two parties simultaneously,” he said.
Damagum: PDP Remains the Only Credible Alternative
Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum added that the party is witnessing a return of members who had previously aligned with political coalitions.
He described those coalitions as failed ventures, stressing that only the PDP possesses the structure and national reach to offer Nigeria a viable alternative in 2027.
“We are the only party with the heritage, the influence, and the grassroots structure to return Nigeria to the path of good governance,” Damagum said.
Unity or Division?
Despite declarations of unity, the strategic relocation of the convention and the decision to zone the presidential ticket have laid bare ongoing struggles for control within the party.
The November convention in Ibadan may serve as a turning point, either consolidating internal alliances or further polarizing the PDP at a time it seeks to position itself as a credible challenger to the APC.
Key figures at the NEC meeting included governors from Ogun, Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Osun, Adamawa, and Bauchi, as well as prominent party leaders such as Chief Bode George, Chief Eddy Olafeso, Senator Bukola Saraki, Seriake Dickson, Labaran Maku, and Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
The NEC adjourned with plans to reconvene on Monday, August 25, 2025, to finalize arrangements for the upcoming convention.
