Ibadan took centre stage over the weekend as the Peoples Democratic Party gathered for its national convention, a two day event that drew thousands of delegates and party leaders from across the country to the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba. The atmosphere was charged with songs, drumming, colourful banners and the familiar energy that often surrounds major political gatherings.
Security agencies maintained a firm presence around the stadium to ensure smooth proceedings, while traffic officials battled the heavy vehicular flow around Obafemi Awolowo Road and adjoining routes. Even with the vibrant setting, early signs of tension surfaced when some angry delegates tore down posters of two governors who failed to attend, a move that reflected wider frustrations about unity within the party.
The governors who made it to the convention included Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and the host governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. They were joined by several notable figures including former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, Chief Olabode George, and former governors Udom Emmanuel, Babangida Aliyu and Ibrahim Shekarau.
Governor Fintiri, who chaired the organising committee, opened the gathering with a message that resonated across the stadium. He said Nigerians were once again looking towards the PDP for direction and that the party must return to the core principles that once defined it. He insisted that despite internal struggles, the PDP still had the capacity to rescue the nation from its present challenges.
Governor Makinde described the Ibadan convention as the beginning of a new chapter for the party. He told the delegates that the long battles leading to the convention would ultimately prove worthwhile as the party charts a fresh course. In his usual lighthearted way, he urged guests to savour the hospitality of Ibadan and enjoy its famous Amala and Gbegiri while they deliberated.
Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal spoke on behalf of the PDP Governors’ Forum and emphasised the need for collective commitment to rebuild the party. Wabara, in his goodwill message, praised the courage of party members for showing up in large numbers. He urged those emerging as new leaders to provide inclusive and disciplined leadership, reminding them that many Nigerians still count on the PDP for hope and direction.
Senator Abdul Ningi noted the impressive turnout as proof that the party remained alive and strong. Representatives of the party’s caucuses in the Senate and House of Representatives also expressed their readiness to work with the newly elected leaders to restore the PDP’s relevance ahead of future national contests.
One of the most defining decisions of the convention was the expulsion of several key figures accused of working against the party’s interests. Those affected included the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, Ayodele Fayose and others. The motion was moved by Chief George and seconded by Governor Mohammed, receiving unanimous approval from the delegates.
The major highlight was the election of Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as the new National Chairman. Convention Secretary Senator Ben Obi announced that Turaki secured 1,516 votes. Solarin Adekunle was elected Deputy National Organising Secretary, while many positions were filled unopposed after other aspirants withdrew.
In his acceptance remarks, Turaki acknowledged the weight of responsibility placed on his team and assured members that the new National Working Committee would begin work immediately. He said the PDP remained the only political party in the country that had preserved its name and identity since inception, a testament to its deep roots among ordinary citizens. He promised to unveil the committee’s framework soon and affirmed that the party would be returned fully to its members.
Although the convention went ahead despite court rulings seeking to stop it, delegates repeatedly referenced the legal disputes, highlighting the extent of the internal challenges the PDP faces. For many observers, the question now is whether the decisions made in Ibadan will steady the party or stir further tensions as it navigates its next chapter.
