The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its readiness for the November 15–16 elective national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, warning members engaged in anti-party activities that they risk suspension or outright expulsion.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said all logistical, accommodation, and reception arrangements had been concluded for the convention, which will be the first in the party’s history to be held in the South-West.
He said the choice of Ibadan had generated “great enthusiasm” due to the region’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s political development.
The convention will be preceded by the inauguration of the zoning committee on Thursday, while the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on August 25 will receive briefings from both the zoning and convention planning committees.
Ologunagba insisted that the PDP remained “stable and strong” owing to its effective internal conflict resolution mechanism.
He, however, warned that the party would take decisive action against indiscipline, noting that recent public reprimands were only the first step in a series of sanctions that could include suspension or expulsion.
His remarks follow mounting endorsements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid by some PDP members, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Ogun State PDP chairman Abayomi Tella, the party’s 2023 Ogun governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu, and the Osun State PDP caucus led by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The PDP leadership has described such endorsements as violations of its constitution, warning the members involved to retract their actions or face stiffer penalties.
Dismissing reported conditions allegedly set by Wike for holding the South-South zonal congress, Ologunagba said, “The PDP will not take conditions from anybody. This party is based on rules and processes that every member is subject to.”
On speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan or Labour Party’s Peter Obi might run under the PDP in 2027, Ologunagba said only the politicians themselves could confirm such intentions.
Last week, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido urged the PDP to woo Jonathan as its 2027 presidential candidate if the ticket is zoned to the South, while renewing calls for the expulsion of Wike, former Benue governor Samuel Ortom, and former Abia governor Okezie Ikpeazu, whom he accused of sabotaging the party in 2023.
As the convention approaches, analysts say the PDP faces the twin challenge of enforcing discipline within its ranks while preventing further defections and internal fractures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
(The Guardian)
