PDP Fixes November for Convention, Expresses Confidence in Return of Defectors Ahead of 2027

By Bamidele Aremu
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that its Elective National Convention will hold from November 15 to 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of strategic efforts to rebuild and reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This was one of the key resolutions reached during the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held on Friday at its national secretariat in Abuja.
Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, who presided over the meeting, said the PDP had grown stronger in recent months, following intense reconciliation efforts and the collapse of a rival political coalition that briefly attracted some of its members.
“Many who left the PDP have seen the futility of jumping ship. Some are already returning, some even say they never truly left. We welcome them back without prejudice. That coalition has proven to be an ill-fated political adventure.” Damagum said.
The NEC directed Damagum and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, to formally notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the convention date in line with the Electoral Act.
It also ratified the composition of the National Convention Committee and a Zoning Committee, which will oversee preparations for a transparent and credible convention.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, during the meeting also stated that the party remained open to the return of former members, especially those who left out of frustration or impatience.
He also issued a stern warning against acts of indiscipline, which he blamed for some of the party’s previous setbacks.
“We won’t tolerate indiscipline going forward. We must prioritise the party over personal ambitions.Those who strayed will come back once they realise the PDP remains the most viable platform for Nigeria’s future.” Mohammed said.
Also speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees and former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, said the success of the convention would be a litmus test for the party’s readiness to reclaim national leadership.
He noted that strong internal unity and credible leadership choices would be crucial to rebuilding trust among party loyalists and Nigerians at large.
“There were doubts that this NEC meeting would even hold, but it has, and the resolutions taken here will shape the political terrain ahead of 2027,” Wabara added.
Likewise, former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, echoed similar concerns, urging members to avoid public statements that could damage the party’s image or create confusion about its official stance. “Let’s stop speaking as individuals. We must be disciplined and strategic. Unity is our greatest strength heading into the convention and beyond,” Makarfi said.