The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that its Elective National Convention will now take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, a move that is widely seen as a strategic effort to boost Governor Seyi Makinde’s influence within the party, possibly to the disadvantage of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wike and his loyalists.
The decision was confirmed during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.
The NEC meeting, chaired by Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, brought together top PDP leaders to tackle key issues affecting party unity and electoral readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During a closed-door session, the National Executive Committee (NEC) approved the timetable for the Elective National Convention, which will now take place from Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th November 2025 in Ibadan, instead of Kano next month.
Speaking after the meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, said the party remained committed to unity and internal democracy.
“The NEC expressed satisfaction over the resolution of all disputes within the party. This again shows the patriotic nature of our members and the PDP’s tradition of dialogue and mutual understanding for the good of the party and the nation,” he said.
The choice of Ibadan, a stronghold of Governor Makinde, is being interpreted by some party insiders as a tactical move to strengthen his hand in internal power negotiations.
The move could reshape the party’s internal dynamics.
In a significant development, the NEC also adopted the recommendation to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, an outcome viewed as aligning with Makinde’s potential presidential ambitions.
A PDP NEC member, who spoke anonymously, told Vanguard, “The mood in the hall was largely in favour of unity and strategic balance.
“After carefully weighing the options, we agreed to adopt the founding fathers’ recommendation to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This is meant to rebuild trust among our southern members after the 2023 fallout.
“At the same time, we retained the existing zoning formula for national offices to prevent further conflict. It was a delicate compromise, but one we believe will help reposition the PDP ahead of the next election.”
However, the decision has escalated tensions between the camps of Makinde and Wike. Once close allies, the two men have become bitter political rivals, trading accusations of betrayal and undermining the party.
Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, has accused Makinde of breaking internal agreements and trying to wreck the PDP from within.
In response, Makinde’s supporters claim Wike is working to weaken the PDP to benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a show of firmness, the NEC also instructed the National Working Committee (NWC) to take legal action to reclaim the seats of lawmakers, both at national and state level, who have defected from the PDP to other parties.
Quoting constitutional provisions, the NEC noted: “By virtue of the self-executory provision of Sections 68 (1) (g) and 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats.”
The NEC further expressed concern over reports that some PDP members are involved in the activities of rival political parties, urging them to return fully to the fold.
“NEC calls on these members to reconsider their actions and show loyalty and commitment to the PDP. The law does not allow membership of two political parties at the same time,” Ologunagba said.
To ensure a smooth and transparent convention, the NEC also approved the membership of both the National Convention Committee and the Convention Zoning Committee.
Despite preparations for 2027 gaining pace, the unresolved feud between Wike and Makinde remains a risk to party unity.
While the convention’s move to Ibadan may solidify Makinde’s control, it could further isolate Wike’s faction, threatening the PDP’s ability to unite against the APC.
The NEC adjourned its session, with the 102nd meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, 25 August 2025.
