PDP Leaders Declare ‘Resilient’ Party Poised for National Comeback at Ibadan Convention
IBADAN – Top leaders of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have used the party’s national convention in Ibadan to signal what they describe as a pivotal moment for the party’s revival and a potential turnaround in its political fortunes.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, hosting the convention at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, declared the gathering would be remembered as the event that marked the PDP’s national resurgence.
“By the grace of God, this convention will go down as the convention that brought a turn-around to the PDP nationally,” Governor Makinde told assembled party leaders and delegates.
A Party in Recovery Mode
The convention comes after what multiple speakers acknowledged was a period of significant internal challenges for the party. Governor Makinde described the journey to the convention as a “long stretch of battle,” while acknowledging the resilience of party members who remained committed through turbulent times.
Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri, chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee, framed the convention as critical for the PDP to position itself as Nigeria’s rescuer from current political and economic challenges.
“Nigeria and Nigerians are still looking up to us to play that role that has always been our tradition,” Fintiri stated, adding that “Nigeria has reset back to the pre-PDP era and is dearly looking up to the PDP to pull its arm.”
Call for Unity and Return of Defectors
A consistent theme throughout the convention was the need for party unity and the return of members who had left during previous internal conflicts. Governor Fintiri made a direct appeal to former members, stating: “Today, I want to use this opportunity to call on all members that have left the party to return back home.”
The sentiment was echoed by Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, who declared “This party will not die” while emphasizing the gathering demonstrated the party’s “resilience, Democratic spirit and collective commitment to the ideals of unity, progress and service to the Nigerian people.”
Governors Present United Front
In a show of solidarity, PDP governors presented what Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal described as a “united front” determined to “save the future of Nigeria.” Flanked by Governors Mohammed and Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State, Lawal appealed for maximum support from party members.
The convention also featured strong representation from the party’s legislative caucuses. Senator Abdul Ningi, speaking for the PDP Senate Caucus, declared: “We have come, we have seen and we have conquered. The multitude that we have seen here today means that PDP is not dead, and it cannot die.”
Strategic Implications for Nigerian Politics
Political analysts observing the convention noted the significance of the party’s ability to hold a successful national gathering despite recent internal divisions. The event served as both an organizational achievement and a platform to project renewed unity ahead of future electoral contests.
Senator Wabara charged the incoming National Working Committee with embracing “inclusiveness” and deepening “consultations across all levels,” emphasizing that the task ahead requires “unity of purpose, boldness, courage, discipline and an unwavering focus on the aspirations of Nigerians.”
The convention’s successful organization in Ibadan also highlighted Governor Makinde’s growing stature within the party, with multiple speakers acknowledging his role in hosting the event and committing resources to ensure its success.
This report was developed based on original coverage from Sahel Standard.