The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that it will hold its 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from Wednesday, July 23 to Friday, July 25, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, stated that the meeting would focus on key party matters, internal reforms, and strategic planning to consolidate the party’s national presence and electoral strength.
Speaking on the political climate and performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ologunagba strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a “bad market” and warning that no patriotic Nigerian would support him in the 2027 presidential elections.
“The PDP is the only party with the structure, national spread, and credibility to unseat the APC,” Ologunagba said. “There is no community in Nigeria where you won’t find PDP members. Nigerians are tired of failed governance and are eager for the return of the PDP.”
He cited widespread dissatisfaction with the APC’s handling of the economy, insecurity, and governance. Drawing comparisons, he noted that when the PDP left office in 2015, Nigeria had a $550 billion economy, which, according to him, has now shrunk to $180 billion under APC leadership.
“The question Nigerians should ask is simple: Are we better off today than we were 10 years ago? The answer is obvious,” he said.
On recent defections from the PDP to the APC and newly-formed coalitions, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ologunagba downplayed the impact, insisting that the core strength of the party remains intact.
“Yes, we are concerned about defections. But we are not a party that buries its head in the sand. The strength of the PDP lies not in individuals but in its organic connection to the Nigerian people. Unlike the APC, we are not a congress; we are the People’s Democratic Party, owned by and responsive to the people,” he said.
He pointed to what he described as renewed interest in the PDP across the country, citing recent events in Kogi Central, where, according to him, several APC members defected to the PDP.
Ologunagba also challenged the credibility of the APC’s electoral victories, particularly in Lagos, where he said voter turnout was dismal and represented a silent vote of no confidence in the ruling party.
“In Lagos, only six per cent of registered voters participated. That is a clear rejection of the APC. Come 2027, Nigerians will not only say no in silence, they will vote decisively to end this suffering,” he declared.
He further highlighted what he called the impressive track record of PDP-led states in sectors such as agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure, encouraging Nigerians to conduct a peer review of state-level performances.
“The PDP governs with people in mind. Our governors are delivering results—go to Oyo, Bayelsa, or even Rivers before recent issues, and compare their performance. We run on a record that is measurable and visible,” he added.
The 101st NEC meeting is expected to attract party leaders, serving and former governors, National Assembly members, and other stakeholders who will deliberate on internal party affairs and electoral strategies for the 2027 elections.
Ologunagba emphasised the party’s commitment to uniting all democratic forces to prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.
“Nigerians are watching. They are tired. And they are ready to speak with their votes in 2027,” he said.
