At the opening of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Convention in Ibadan on Saturday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed confidence that the gathering would become a defining moment in the party’s effort to regain its footing nationwide.
Addressing delegates at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Adamasingba, Governor Makinde said the road to the convention had been arduous, but the turnout reflected the resilience of party members.
He also described the 2025 Ibadan convention as a platform that would “reset the PDP for a stronger national comeback.”
Welcoming leaders and delegates from across the country, the governor urged visitors to savour the culture and cuisine of the Oyo capital.
He further added that a light touch by encouraging attendees to enjoy the famed “amala and gbegiri” while deliberations continued.
Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee and Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, used his remarks to urge party members to recommit themselves to the ideals on which the PDP was founded.
According to him, Nigeria remained in need of a reliable political alternative, and the convention offered the party a chance to reclaim that responsibility.
Governor Fintiri acknowledged recent internal crises, noting that weakened loyalty and fragmentation had taken a toll on the PDP.
He, however, stressed that the party’s “soul” had survived because of members who remained faithful to its principles.
He appealed to former members who defected during the turbulence of recent years to return and help rebuild the party.
In their goodwill messages, representatives from the PDP Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees (BoT), and National Assembly caucuses emphasised that the successful conduct of the convention demonstrated the party’s staying power despite prolonged political battles.
Speaking on behalf of PDP governors, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal said the governors were united in their determination to steer the party back to national relevance.
He urged delegates to offer full cooperation in efforts to “secure Nigeria’s future.”
BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, described the event as a vindication of the party’s democratic resilience.
He said the PDP had weathered many storms but continued to stand because members believed in its mission.
Wabara also praised Makinde for his commitment to hosting the convention and commended the outgoing National Working Committee led by Umar Damagum.
He charged the incoming NWC to embrace broad consultations, run an inclusive administration and strengthen internal unity, stressing that Nigerians still looked to the PDP for leadership.
Senator Abdul Ningi, speaking for PDP senators, said the massive turnout in Ibadan was evidence that the PDP remained a formidable force.
He declared that the convention showed the party had not only survived recent upheavals but was prepared for a renewed march forward.
Similarly, Hon. Fred Agbedi, representing the House of Representatives caucus, pledged lawmakers’ cooperation in repositioning the party.
While acknowledging that internal challenges were inevitable for any evolving organization, he warned against saboteurs working to undermine party cohesion.
