Nigeria’s opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says it is fully prepared to hold its National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15–16, 2025, and has restated its demand for absolute loyalty from all members.
Addressing journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba expressed satisfaction with the arrangements so far and assured that the event would be seamless and successful.
He disclosed that the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would be held on August 25, 2025, to receive reports from the Zoning Committee and the National Convention Organising Committee, both of which are already working on logistics, accommodation, security, and other arrangements.
“We are satisfied with preparations for the convention. Feedback from our members nationwide shows great enthusiasm, especially as this is the first time the PDP will hold its national convention in the Southwest,” Ologunagba said.
He commended the Oyo State Government for setting up a local organising committee to work with the national body, describing the collaboration as “seamless and effective”.
Retrieving Mandates
On efforts to reclaim mandates from members of the National Assembly and other elected officials who defected from the party, Ologunagba said the NEC had directed the National Legal Adviser to take constitutional steps to retrieve such positions.
“Constitutionally, they have lost their seats by reason of defection when there was no division in our party. We have taken the appropriate action, but we cannot resort to self-help,” he explained.
While noting that some of the cases were already in court, he insisted the party would follow due process.
100% Loyalty Demand
Ologunagba stressed that the PDP would not tolerate disloyalty in any form.
“Membership of the party is voluntary. There’s easy entry and easy exit. What we demand is 100% loyalty. Disloyalty will not be condoned,” he warned.
He said some members who left the party were misled or acted in anger, but now that the party is stable and united, the “right time to return” had come.
Disciplinary Actions and Reconciliation
Asked why the party had not acted on certain disciplinary committee recommendations, including those concerning prominent members, Ologunagba said reconciliation remained the PDP’s strategic approach.
“Politics is not a zero-sum game. Sometimes you swallow bitter pills and move on. We are engaging members at different levels and will always act in line with our constitution,” he stated.
South-South Congress
The PDP spokesman confirmed that the tenure of the South-South Zonal Committee expired in March 2025 and that a caretaker committee, led by Elder Emma Ogidi, had since been inaugurated in line with the party’s constitution.
Presidential Candidates
Responding to questions about potential presidential aspirants, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, Ologunagba declined to speculate.
“We have many performing governors and other qualified members who can lead this country. If you want to know if Jonathan or Obi is contesting, ask them directly,” he said.
Looking to 2027
Ologunagba said the PDP was focused on uniting its ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections and offering Nigerians a credible candidate.
“We are coming out stronger than ever. Our national convention in Ibadan will be a celebration of democracy and a demonstration of the PDP’s readiness to rescue Nigeria,” he concluded.
Confidence Okwuchi