The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated its 119-member national convention committee, reaffirming readiness for its November 15–16 convention and vowing to reclaim Aso Rock in 2027 despite internal tensions
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its preparedness for its national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, expressing confidence in its ability to return to power in 2027.
Speaking at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday, PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, inaugurated a 119-member National Convention Organizing Committee, assuring members and stakeholders of a smooth and successful exercise.
Party leaders dismissed fears of division or the possibility of a parallel convention, noting that such concerns—largely linked to loyalists of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike—would not derail preparations.
Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees, emphasized that while efforts are ongoing to carry every stakeholder along, no convention requires 100 percent participation to succeed.
“Convention is not about excluding anybody; it’s also not a denial of the majority to have their way, because that’s what democracy is all about. If you have 100% involvement, it’s fine, but what matters is an overwhelming majority,” Makarfi said.
He added that zoning of party positions would follow established PDP traditions, stressing that no individual would be excluded from contesting:
“There’s no need for raising temperature, because there will be no exclusion; that has been the tradition since PDP was formed. We must always strive to build consensus.”
Also addressing the gathering, chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed, warned against misinterpreting consensus-building as weakness.
“We are not cowards and we are not afraid of any person. We can’t keep quiet and allow people to continue to take us to the slaughterhouse or take us for granted. Enough is enough. We agree to consensus and accommodation, but that is not cowardice. If anybody wants to form a faction of fools, we will allow him,” Mohammed declared in a veiled reference to speculations about a parallel convention.
Damagum, reviewing his two-year stewardship, said some “destructive voices” came from individuals who had benefited immensely from the party but later turned against it.
“Ironically, many of the destructive voices have come from individuals who have benefited immensely from the PDP; they sought to sow division and weaken our structures. Yet history will record that in a time of great difficulty, this National Working Committee, under my leadership, held the line and did a remarkable job,” he said.
The PDP chairman stressed that the forthcoming convention is critical to repositioning the party for electoral victory in 2027.
“This Main Committee for the National Convention is ably chaired by His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, with Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State as Vice Chairman and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as Secretary. Their competence and diversity reflect the unity of our PDP family,” he said.
Delivering the vote of thanks, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja, reiterated the party’s optimism: “PDP belongs to the people and not to any individual; no matter what some people do, insha Allah, we are heading for Aso Rock in 2027.”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Governors Ahmadu Fintiri, Seyi Makinde, and Bala Mohammed; representatives of the Enugu and Osun state governors; former Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom; members of the National Assembly; and members of the PDP National Working Committee and Board of Trustees. Read More
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