With about three weeks to the elective convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) coming up in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Busola Oworu writes on preparations for the historic event, pulse of party faithful and some emerging issues.
Ibadan is set to host thousands of leaders, elders and other loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gears up for its 2025 National Convention from November 15 to 16.
Anticipation is palpable in the air as the city prepares to the legion of delegates, influential politicians, party faithful, all drawn to the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Adamasingba for what promises to be a vibrant celebration of unity and renewal.
The frenzy among PDP leaders and other stakeholders in the state nay the South-West chapter of the party remains upbeat, notwithstanding the issues triggered by the claims and counterclaims over the petitions written by PDP national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Directorate of State Service and the Inspector General of Police.
He claimed that his signature was forged in an August 25, 2025 letter to the INEC. In the petitions dated October 15 and 16, respectively, he called for an investigation into the matter, as well as the arrest and prosecution of those whom he claimed forged the letters.
But in the said letter, in which the signatures of the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and Anyanwu’s appeared, the party dismissed the allegation and reaffirmed its plan to go ahead with the elective convention.
In an official reaction, PDP national publicity secretary, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, said that Anyanwu did not only attend both the July 24 and August 25 National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings of the party, but also co-signed all letters emanating from the meetings to implement directives of the PDP regarding the Ibadan convention.
According to Ologunagba, Anyanwu co-signed the letter convening the 101st NEC meeting held on July 24 and also attended by signing the register as the number four participant on the list.
He recalled that at the meeting, it was agreed that the convention would be held on November 15 -16, 2025, whereupon the national secretary was directed to communicate the decision to INEC.
“NEC also directed the national secretary to write to INEC on the convention. NEC approved the membership of the convention and the zoning committee. In all of this, Anyanwu was present,” he stated.
Ologunagba presented copies of four letters Anyanwu co-signed with the national chairman in furtherance of decisions regarding the Ibadan convention
One of the letters was addressed to INEC as official notice on the convention; a second letter was on the composition of the membership of the convention planning committee; a third letter was on the repeat of South-East zonal congress of the PDP; while the fourth letter was a notice of repeat congresses in Anambra and Ebonyi states.
“All these letters were signed by him and the national chairman,” Ologunagba added.
The PDP spokesman, therefore, asked the security agencies to conduct a full investigation into the allegation because “this is a calculated attempt to derail the party and the convention.”
Those issues have not detracted PDP enthusiasts nor dampened the morale of those saddled with guaranteeing successful hosting of the convention as scheduled in the Oyo State capital.
They are unshaken by the dragging of the party to court in Abuja in what they regard as a calculated bid to frustrate the efforts of the party to elect new national officers. H
owever, the Federal High Court in Abuja, monitoring the situation closely, Justice James Omotosho, mandated that all parties involved in the ongoing legal disputes refrain from any actions that might pre-empt the court’s decision.
He assured that a ruling would be forthcoming before the end of October, setting the stage for a convention free from legal entanglements.
Insiders within the PDP remain optimistic, describing the atmosphere as “under control.”
They expressed confidence that the court’s decision will remove any remaining hurdles, allowing the party to showcase its resilience in the face of challenges.
The recently refurbished Lekan Salami Sports Complex is being meticulously prepared for what many are calling “a convention of renewal.”
Governor Seyi Makinde, alongside Ahmad Umaru Fintiri who serves as the Chairman, planning committee, has been actively overseeing preparations, with Fintiri confirming the party’s readiness for the event.
Despite facing recent defections, Fintiri reassured the public that the PDP remained a formidable political force, more determined than ever to reclaim power in the 2027 elections.
He asserted that the convention will not only elect new leaders but will also redefine the party’s direction and renew public trust.
As excitement builds, hotels across the city are expected to be fully booked, and event planners are transforming the convention venue into a visual masterpiece, complete with vibrant decorations in the party’s signature colours and multimedia displays celebrating its achievements.
“It will be a blend of politics, culture, and elegance. Ibadan is ready to host the nation,” remarked a logistics committee member.
In a thought-provoking twist, Governor Makinde has shifted the focus of the political narrative in Nigeria. Responding to the wave of defections from the PDP to the APC, he emphasised that the real issue at hand is not political realignment, but the pressing need to address hunger, poverty, and despair affecting many Nigerians.
He framed the upcoming convention as a moment for renewal, asserting it represents more than just a gathering of politicians; it is an opportunity to reaffirm the PDP’s values and commitment to the people.
Some stakeholders in the PDP said the hosting of the convention in the South-West is instructive. Coming at a time the party has managed to recover from a near state of stupor due to internal power struggle between two major tendencies, it provides the real opportunity for PDP to put itself in better standing as the leading opposition party.
The stakeholders are also of the view that it is yet another chance for the South-West to reaffirm the tradition of building bridges across political divides.
Thus, the choice of Ibadan, regarded as political headquarters of the South-West, by the PDP for the convention, is seen by many observers as a reflection of the importance to ancient city and its teeming population.
The State Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Honourable Michael Ogunsina, called on members of the public to disregard any rumour suggesting the postponement of the party’s forthcoming convention, assuring that all preparations are on course for a successful event.
“Everyone should disregard any rumour about the postponement of the convention. The convention will definitely hold as scheduled. Logistically, we are well-prepared, the venue is fully set, and every necessary arrangement has been made to ensure a smooth and hitch-free exercise,” Ogunsina stated confidently.
Speaking further on the venue and accommodation arrangements, the PDP spokesperson revealed that the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Convention, Governor Umaru Fintiri, recently visited Ibadan to personally inspect facilities ahead of the event.
“Governor Fintiri was here in Ibadan a few days ago to assess the level of preparedness, and he was very impressed with what he saw. I can tell you categorically that everyone should be rest assured, the PDP is fully ready for this convention. From security to logistics, accommodation, and transportation, every detail has been carefully coordinated to reflect the party’s standard of excellence,” Ogunsina added.
He further noted that the convention would not only serve as a platform to strengthen internal unity within the party but also reaffirm the PDP’s readiness to reclaim leadership across all levels of government.
“This convention is more than just a gathering; it is a statement of our unity, our strength, and our collective vision for Nigeria. The PDP remains the party to beat, and this convention will once again demonstrate that we are organized, prepared, and focused on delivering good governance to the people,” he concluded.
As the countdown to the convention begins, Ibadan stands poised to witness a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political landscape. For the PDP, this event is a clarion call for renewal, a proclamation that, despite the challenges, the party possesses the structure, determination, and public goodwill to reclaim its place in Nigeria’s political future. For the people of Ibadan, it’s a chance to shine, where the intersection of politics and pageantry may quietly shape the future of one of Africa’s largest democracies.
Tribune
