The 2025 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention, held in Ibadan, Oyo State, was a mega event that showcased the party’s resilience and determination to reclaim its position as a major force in Nigerian politics. The two-day convention, which kicked off officially by 4pm on Saturday November 15, 2025, was held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including internal conflicts and court battles, the convention was a resounding success, with over 3,000 delegates, governors, and party stakeholders in attendance. The convention marked a turning point for the PDP, as it elected a new National Working Committee, including a National Chairman, who will lead the party into the 2027 general elections. . He is Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a seasoned politician and former governor of Sokoto State, emerged as the new National Chairman, securing 1,834 votes out of 2,745 accredited voters.
Turaki’s election is seen as a fresh start for the party, with many hoping he would bring stability and unity to the PDP. The convention was also marked by the expulsion of several high-profile members, including former governor of Rivers State and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; and Samuel Anyanwu, for allegedly working against the party’s interests. The move was seen as a bold step towards cleaning up the party and restoring its integrity.
Meanwhile, the PDP has extended an olive branch to aggrieved members, inviting them to return and support the party’s efforts to rebuild and reclaim its position in Nigerian politics. But the convention was not without controversy, as the PDP faced several court battles, including a ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the party not to hold the convention, and an Oyo State High Court, which okayed the national convention.
Despite the challenges, the PDP, as gathered, remained resolute, with its Board of Trustees dismissing attempts to halt the convention as “unacceptable and not to be contemplated. Governor Seyi Makinde, the host governor, emphasised the importance of unity, stating that the convention marked a turning point for the PDP. He urged delegates to remain committed to the party’s core values, emphasising transparency, inclusivity, and democratic participation.
The PDP’s new leadership is expected to provide a fresh impetus to the party, as it prepares to take on the ruling party in the 2027 general elections On the topic election of new leadership for the party, Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki was elected as the new National Chairman, with the former deputy governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, as National Secretary. The PDP also dissolved its structures in five states, including Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers.
It is believed that the 2025 PDP National Convention has set the stage for a renewed and revitalised party, ready to take on the challenges of Nigerian politics.
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