Nigeria’s main opposition political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has dismissed rumours suggesting that some aggrieved members are planning to organise a parallel national convention in Abuja to rival the officially sanctioned convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Addressing journalists at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the claims exist only in the realm of speculation and do not reflect the reality of the party’s unified preparations.
He stressed that the decision to hold the elective national convention in Ibadan was unanimously endorsed by all organs of the party, including the National Executive Committee (NEC), the Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Working Committee (NWC), state chapters, and the PDP Governors’ Forum.
“The NEC, the BoT, the NWC, our governors, state chapters, and every relevant organ of the party have unanimously agreed on Ibadan as the venue for the November convention. Talk of a parallel convention is pure conjecture, if not outright hallucination.
“How do you have a national convention without following the Constitution and due process? The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been attending all our meetings and monitoring preparations. Our committees are working in Ibadan already, even ahead of formal inaugurations. So there is no basis for this rumour,” Ologunagba said.
Press Interactive Session with the PDP NPS, Hon Debo Ologunagba
https://t.co/B6roBu3pwk— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) August 19, 2025
Zoning and Preparatory Committees
Ologunagba gave updates on preparations for the convention, beginning with the inauguration of the 44-member zoning committee chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri. The committee, which has representatives from every state and organ of the party, was tasked with making recommendations on the zoning of national offices ahead of the convention.
“That committee has already begun consultations, held its inaugural meeting immediately after inauguration, and continues to work with speed. Its report will be considered at the 102nd NEC meeting scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2025,” he explained.
He added that the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), headed by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, had also been constituted. Several subcommittees drawn from across the states and party organs would assist the NCOC in delivering a successful convention.
According to him, inclusiveness was central to the committee’s composition. “Every state chapter contributed; every organ of the party is represented, including our founding fathers and mothers. This is to ensure that ideas from all stakeholders are brought on board as we reposition the PDP,” he said.
He emphasised that the PDP is methodical in its planning and has moved beyond distractions. “The train has left the station, and it is already in Ibadan. There will be no other convention anywhere else.”
Commitment to Democracy
Ologunagba reiterated that the PDP remains committed to internal democracy, inclusiveness, and respect for due process. He said the Ibadan convention would not only elect a new National Working Committee (NWC) but also send a strong signal about the party’s capacity to return as a credible alternative in 2027.
“This convention is about more than electing party officers. It is about showing Nigerians that the PDP has the capacity to organise itself, overcome challenges, and defend democracy. Every organ of the party is fully involved, and the feedback we are receiving from the grassroots is very encouraging,” he said.