PDP Reaffirms Ibadan as Venue for 2025 National Convention, Declares Date Unchangeable

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed that its 2025 National Convention will proceed as planned in Ibadan, Oyo State, from November 15 to 16, declaring the date and venue as non-negotiable.

PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, made the declaration on Tuesday during the inauguration of the 110-member National Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC) in Abuja.

“The 2025 National Convention is fixed for Ibadan, and that decision is sacrosanct,” Damagum stated firmly.

The committee is chaired by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, with Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, serving as vice chairman, and Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, as secretary.

Damagum urged the committee to uphold the core values of fairness, equity, justice, and unity in planning and executing the convention. He also called on party members to put aside personal interests and focus on the greater goal of rebuilding public trust.

“My charge to this Committee is simple: let fairness, equity, justice, and unity of purpose be your guiding principles. Set aside personal grievances and ambitions that don’t serve the collective interest,” he said.

He stressed that the convention should demonstrate the PDP’s commitment to democratic ideals and due process, assuring members that the party remains inclusive and representative of all voices.

“This convention must reaffirm the PDP as the Party of the People, by the People, and for the People,” Damagum added.

Despite internal tensions, the party leadership remains resolute in moving forward. A faction aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has raised objections and issued several demands to ensure the convention's credibility and inclusivity. These include the call for fresh, transparent congresses in Anambra and Ebonyi States in compliance with court rulings, the conduct of a new South East zonal congress, and a request to avoid micro-zoning beyond the general zoning framework approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

While these concerns pose potential challenges, PDP governors have expressed strong support for the convention and party leadership. Speaking on the matter, Governor Bala Mohammed declared, “Enough is enough,” vowing that the party would not bow to pressure or allow internal disputes to derail its plans.

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