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WHY PDP MOVED CONVENTION FROM KANO TO OYO
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has relocated its planned national convention from Kano to Oyo State, a move party sources say is aimed at fostering internal unity and serving key strategic interests.
The decision was taken during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at its national secretariat in Abuja.
Back in April, amid tensions over the party’s National Secretary position, PDP governors met and fixed August 28 for the national convention. Following the meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, they selected Kano as the host city for the event.
However, a communiqué issued after Thursday’s NEC meeting stated that “NEC approved the year 2025 Elective National Convention Schedule of Activities and Timetable. Under the approved timetable, the Elective National Convention to elect the next set of National Officers of our party will be held on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November 2025, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.”
Daily Trust gathered that the decision to shift the convention from Kano to Oyo was due to concerns about holding such an event in a state controlled by another opposition party, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
A source within NEC said, “How do you expect a party like PDP, with over 10 governors, to hold a convention in another opposition state? Even party members would revolt. The initial choice of Kano was made during a crisis when governors were divided into factions. That crisis has now been resolved.”
He added, “There is no way the governors would all go into an opposition-controlled state for the convention. The unity now within PDP made it easier to choose Oyo, a PDP-controlled state.”
According to the source, the earlier offer to host the convention in Kano was made by former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau amid the internal rift, saying, “Because the governors could not agree, Shekarau offered to host it in Kano. That’s what happened.”
Kwankwaso factor and failed coalition
Another party source disclosed that the initial plan to hold the convention in Kano was linked to broader coalition talks with the NNPP and its leader, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“At the early stage of the alliance talks, there was an understanding that PDP would lead the coalition, and Kwankwaso would join. Holding the convention in Kano was seen as a gesture to encourage him. But all that has changed, and Kwankwaso is now rumoured to be heading to the APC,” the source said.
However, another source within the party said the decision to hold the convention in Ibadan may be part of a broader “give-and-take” strategy adopted to resolve internal wranglings.
“You know, it took a lot of effort from the Saraki-led reconciliation committee to convince the Makinde faction to allow Wike’s ally, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to resume as national secretary. So, it’s only logical to concede another major decision to the Makinde camp,” the source said.
“And you know this is strategic, as Makinde is expected to be one of the leading contenders for the party’s presidential ticket in 2027. He has also been one of the major financiers of the party secretariat in recent times, so it makes sense to concede some ground to him. The leaders may not say this publicly, but it was a factor in relocating the convention to his state,” added the senior party official, who requested anonymity.
August NEC to decide zoning
Meanwhile, NEC adjourned its next meeting—the 102nd session—to Monday, August 25. According to the communiqué, “NEC approved the membership composition of the National Convention Committee as well as the membership composition of the National Convention Zoning Committee to ensure a successful, transparent, and credible Elective National Convention.”
NEC also expressed disapproval of some PDP members participating in the activities of other political parties. It urged them to reconsider their actions, stating that “the law does not permit membership of two political parties at the same time.”
The party reaffirmed its commitment to working with like-minded Nigerians to “rescue the nation from the stranglehold of the rudderless and insensitive APC administration.
In a bid to preserve its electoral mandates, NEC directed the National Working Committee to initiate legal proceedings to reclaim seats from defectors.
By virtue of the self-executory provision of Sections 68 (1) (g) and 109 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats, there being no division or merger with regard to the PDP,” the statement said.
South East leaders absent at NEC meeting
Several top party leaders from the South East were absent from Thursday’s NEC meeting. Among those missing were Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Deputy National Vice Chairman (South East) Ali Odefa, and BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara.
Daily Trust learnt their absence might be linked to the recent reinstatement of Senator Anyanwu as National Secretary, despite the preference of the South East caucus for Sunday Ude-Okoye.
The caucus, led by Governor Mbah, had earlier threatened action if Anyanwu was recognised. However, following a series of meetings and consultations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a majority of the zone’s stakeholders resolved to back Anyanwu’s return.
We’ll give APC a big fight in 2027 – Bala Mohammed
At the NEC meeting, PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed vowed that the party would challenge the APC vigorously in the 2027 general elections.
“PDP is a party that has shown resilience. We are working behind the scenes to ensure we remain intact and create a platform for Nigerians,” he said.
“The governors recognise the challenges faced by the NWC, and they have shown that they are with us. We will give the APC a big fight in 2027. We are strong and working together.”
Former Kaduna State Governor and BoT Secretary, Ahmed Makarfi, who spoke on behalf of the board’s chairman, urged party members to rally behind the convention.
“The outcome of the convention will determine the political landscape. We must work hard to ensure we survive. We must guard our utterances to avoid complicating matters,” Makarfi said.
He expressed optimism that once a new leadership is elected, many former members would return to the party. “At the end of the tunnel, there will be light. PDP will come back,” he said.
