The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to hold its Elective National Convention from Saturday, November 15 to Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This was among the key resolutions contained in a communique issued at the end of the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, held on Thursday, at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

Presiding over the meeting, Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, hailed the party’s internal reconciliation efforts, declaring that the PDP has emerged stronger and more united, with many defectors returning after realising the “futility” of the recently formed political coalition.

“Some persons have recently learned the hard way that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush,” Damagum remarked. “Many who jumped on the coalition bandwagon have already returned to our fold. Some even claim they never left and merely attended a meeting—we accept their confessions without prejudice.”

Damagum described the coalition as an “ill-fated venture” and “failed political experiment,” revealing that not only PDP members but also individuals from other parties who had flirted with the alliance have now retraced their steps. He asserted that the quick collapse of the coalition reaffirmed the PDP’s national viability, stability, and readiness to lead Nigeria back to prosperity.

In line with its roadmap to reclaim power in 2027, the NEC approved the full schedule and timetable for the upcoming Elective National Convention and directed Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu to formally notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in accordance with the Electoral Act.

NEC also approved the composition of both the National Convention Committee and the Zoning Committee to ensure a transparent and credible convention process.

Significantly, NEC instructed the National Working Committee (NWC) to initiate immediate legal action to reclaim the seats of National and State Assembly members elected on the PDP platform who have defected to other parties, invoking Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). According to the party, such lawmakers have automatically forfeited their seats, as there is neither division nor merger within the PDP to justify such defections.

NEC expressed serious concern over reports of PDP members attending meetings of other political parties and warned that dual allegiance is not allowed under Nigerian law. It urged affected members to reaffirm their commitment to the PDP, while assuring them that many of their grievances are already being addressed.

The party reiterated its openness to collaborating with well-meaning Nigerians and other democratic forces in a united effort to rescue the country from what it described as the “stranglehold” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“PDP remains the platform of choice for all Nigerians and the only party with the structure, legacy, and national acceptability capable of delivering a people-oriented government,” Damagum stated.

Former Kaduna State Governor and secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, in a separate remark, urged members to exhibit discipline and caution in their public comments, stressing the importance of unity and collective responsibility.

“These meetings are critical. We thank God for the stability that has returned to the party. But we must never take it for granted,” Makarfi warned. “We must not demarket the party or express personal opinions as if they were party positions. The success of the convention will define the political landscape in this country.”

He emphasised that the convention presents a crucial opportunity to reconcile aggrieved members and attract new entrants to the PDP fold.

The NEC reaffirmed PDP’s commitment to democratic ideals and its determination to lead Nigeria into a new era of good governance in 2027. The next NEC meeting has been scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2025.

The communique was presented by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba.