This decision was one of the significant outcomes outlined in a communiqué released following the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which took place yesterday at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decided to conduct its Elective National Convention from November 15 to 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of its strategy to reposition the party in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF), Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, stated that the party “is open to welcoming back” former members who departed due to impatience, while stressing the importance of unity and discipline within the party.
However, former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Adolphus Wabara, indicated that numerous defectors would return to the party if it provided strong and inspiring leadership at the upcoming national convention.
While presiding over the meeting, Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, praised the party’s internal reconciliation efforts, asserting that the PDP has emerged stronger and more united, with many defectors returning after recognizing the “futility” of the recently established political coalition.
He remarked: “Some individuals have recently learned the hard way that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush,” Damagum stated. “Many who joined the coalition bandwagon have already returned to our ranks. Some even claimed they never left and merely attended a meeting. We accept their confessions without prejudice.”
Damagum characterized the coalition as an “ill-fated venture” and a “failed political experiment,” revealing that not only PDP members but also “individuals from other parties who had engaged with the alliance have now retraced their steps.”
He asserted that the rapid collapse of the coalition reaffirms the PDP’s national viability, stability, and readiness to lead Nigeria back to prosperity.
In accordance with its roadmap aimed at regaining power in 2027, the NEC has sanctioned the complete schedule and timetable for the upcoming Elective National Convention and has instructed Damagum and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, to officially inform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as stipulated by the Electoral Act.
Additionally, the NEC has approved the formation of both the National Convention Committee and the Zoning Committee to guarantee a transparent and credible convention process.
Ahmed Makarfi, the former Governor of Kaduna State and secretary of the BoT, in a separate statement, urged members to demonstrate discipline and caution in their public remarks, emphasizing the significance of unity and collective responsibility.
“These meetings are essential. We express gratitude to God for the stability that has returned to the party. However, we must never take it for granted,” Makarfi cautioned. “We must refrain from undermining the party or voicing personal opinions as if they represent party positions. The success of the convention will shape the political landscape in this nation.”
The NEC reiterated the PDP’s dedication to democratic principles and its resolve to guide Nigeria into a new era of effective governance in 2027. The subsequent NEC meeting is set for Monday, August 25, 2025.
On behalf of the PDP governors, Governor Mohammed commended the National Working Committee (NWC) for its adaptability and urged members to prioritize the party’s interests over personal ambitions.
“We empathize with those who grew impatient and departed, but they will surely come to realize. We are leaving the door open for their return, within a reasonable timeframe,” he stated.
He also issued a stern warning against acts of indiscipline, attributing many of the party’s previous challenges to this issue.
“We will not continue to accept indiscipline as it is the root cause of the problems we have encountered in the past,” he asserted, commending the NWC for their willingness to make sacrifices, including stepping down before the conclusion of their tenure, in the interest of party unity.
Wabara emphasized that the party’s capacity to address its internal conflicts and select trustworthy leaders would be crucial for regaining its status as Nigeria’s foremost opposition entity.
He further stated that despite widespread skepticism regarding the NEC’s occurrence, “it is now an event recognized by the constitution, and its results will influence the political landscape” in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
