PDP Moves National Convention to Oyo State Amid Internal Reconciliation
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made a significant decision to relocate its planned national convention from Kano to Oyo State. This move, according to party sources, is intended to promote internal unity and align with strategic interests. The decision was announced during the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Earlier in April, tensions arose over the position of the National Secretary, prompting PDP governors to set August 28 as the date for the national convention. Following a meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, the governors initially selected Kano as the host city. However, a communiqué issued after the recent NEC meeting stated that the 2025 Elective National Convention will now be held on November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Strategic Shift and Political Considerations
According to reports, the decision to shift the convention from Kano to Oyo was influenced by concerns about holding such an event in a state controlled by another opposition party, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). A source within the NEC explained that the PDP, which currently has over 10 governors, would face internal backlash if it were to hold the convention in an opposition-controlled state.
The initial choice of Kano was made during a period of internal division among the governors, but this crisis has since been resolved. The source added that the current unity within the party made it easier to choose Oyo, a state under PDP control. The earlier offer to host the convention in Kano was reportedly made by former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau amid the internal rift.
Another factor linked to the original plan to hold the convention in Kyo was broader coalition talks with the NNPP and its leader, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. At the early stage of these alliance discussions, there was an understanding that PDP would lead the coalition, with Kwankwaso joining. However, this arrangement has since changed, and Kwankwaso is now rumored to be shifting his allegiance to the APC.
Resolving Internal Wranglings
A senior party source indicated that the decision to hold the convention in Ibadan may be part of a broader “give-and-take” strategy aimed at resolving internal conflicts. The source highlighted the efforts of the Saraki-led reconciliation committee in convincing the Makinde faction to allow Wike’s ally, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to resume as national secretary.
This concession was seen as strategic, given that Makinde is expected to be a leading contender for the party’s presidential ticket in 2027. He has also been a major financier of the party’s secretariat, making it logical to concede some ground to him. While the leaders may not publicly acknowledge this, it was a key factor in relocating the convention to his state.
Upcoming NEC Meeting and Membership Composition
The NEC adjourned its next session—the 102nd meeting—to Monday, August 25. According to the communiqué, the NEC approved the membership composition of the National Convention Committee and the National Convention Zoning Committee to ensure a successful, transparent, and credible elective national convention.
The NEC also expressed disapproval of some PDP members participating in activities of other political parties. It urged them to reconsider their actions, emphasizing that the law does not permit membership in two political parties simultaneously. The party reaffirmed its commitment to working with like-minded Nigerians to “rescue the nation from the stranglehold of the rudderless and insensitive APC administration.”
In a bid to preserve its electoral mandates, the NEC directed the National Working Committee to initiate legal proceedings to reclaim seats from defectors. The statement cited Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stating that defectors have irredeemably lost their seats.
Absence of South East Leaders
Several top party leaders from the South East were absent from Thursday’s NEC meeting. Among those missing were Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Deputy National Vice Chairman (South East) Ali Odefa, and BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara. Their absence might be linked to the recent reinstatement of Senator Anyanwu as National Secretary, despite the preference of the South East caucus for Sunday Ude-Okoye.
The South East caucus, led by Governor Mbah, had previously threatened action if Anyanwu was recognized. However, following a series of meetings and consultations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a majority of the zone’s stakeholders resolved to support Anyanwu’s return.
PDP Vows Strong Opposition in 2027
At the NEC meeting, PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed vowed that the party would challenge the APC vigorously in the 2027 general elections. He emphasized the party’s resilience and its efforts to remain intact and create a platform for Nigerians.
Former Kaduna State Governor and BoT Secretary, Ahmed Makarfi, urged party members to rally behind the convention, stating that the outcome would determine the political landscape. He expressed optimism that once a new leadership is elected, many former members would return to the party.
Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), said the meeting aimed to reposition the party for future success. He reiterated the party’s commitment to remaining one big family since 1999.
Dismissal of Coalition Concerns
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum dismissed fears over the proposed opposition coalition spearheaded by former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. He described the political experiment as nothing to lose sleep over and noted that many who had joined the coalition had returned to the PDP fold.
Damagum emphasized that the PDP remains the only party poised and ready to take back power, with the structure, national acceptability, and legacy to bear the weight of the nation. He urged NEC members to be united, honest, and committed to the party’s goals.
