The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reaffirmed its readiness for its November 15–16 elective national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday, warning members engaged in anti-party activities that they risk suspension or outright expulsion.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, told journalists in Abuja that the party had completed all logistical, accommodation, and reception arrangements for the convention, which he noted would be the first in the party’s history to be held in the South-West. He said the choice of Ibadan had generated “great enthusiasm” owing to the region’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s political development.

The convention will be preceded by the inauguration of the zoning committee on Thursday. The next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for August 25, will receive briefings from both the zoning and convention planning committees.

Ologunagba stressed that the PDP is “stable and strong” due to its “working internal conflict resolution mechanism,” adding that the party’s commitment extends beyond managing internal affairs to improving the well-being of Nigerians, as demonstrated by its record in government.

Regarding recent cases of party indiscipline, he stated that the public reprimand issued to some members last week was only the first step, as mandated by the constitution. “There is a series of actions that will follow, including expulsion and suspension. Loyalty is personal, and if at any time we find you do not demonstrate it, we will descend on you,” he warned.

The warning came on the heels of mounting endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid by some PDP members, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Ogun State PDP chairman, Abayomi Tella; the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in the state, Ladi Adebutu; and the Osun State PDP caucus led by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The party’s National Working Committee (NWC), in an earlier statement, had condemned such declarations as violations of Section 10(6) of its constitution, which forbids aligning with other political parties to undermine the PDP. Citing Section 59(1), it urged the errant members to “retrace their steps or face stiffer sanctions.”

Ologunagba dismissed conditions allegedly set by Wike for holding the South-South zonal congress, insisting, “The PDP will not take conditions from anybody. Those conditions do not have a life. This party is based on rules and processes that every member is subject to.”

On speculations about former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s Peter Obi being courted for the 2027 race under the PDP, he said only the two politicians could speak on their preferences. “Nigerians are interested in the PDP because it is the only alternative,” he noted.

It would be recalled that last week, former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, urged the PDP to woo Jonathan as its 2027 presidential candidate, describing him as the party’s “best option” if the ticket is zoned to the South. He also renewed calls for the expulsion of Wike, former Benue governor Samuel Ortom, and former Abia governor Okezie Ikpeazu, among others, whom he accused of sabotaging the party in 2023.

Lamido, who said he would boycott Board of Trustees meetings until sanctions are enforced, accused the PDP of tolerating a “culture of impunity” for too long. “If you breach the party’s code, you are sanctioned. The party executives are now alive to their responsibilities,” he stated.

As the convention draws nearer, political observers say the PDP faces the dual challenge of enforcing discipline while keeping its ranks intact in the face of mounting defections and internal realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.