PDP Was Never in ICU, We Are United and Ready for Convention – Debo Ologunagba

The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Debo Ologunagba, has dismissed speculations that the party is in disarray. Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday, Ologunagba insisted that the PDP remains strong, united, and adequately prepared for its national convention slated for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

He rejected narratives that portrayed the PDP as being in “ICU,” arguing instead that the party had demonstrated resilience and capacity to reorganise itself after the 2023 elections. According to him, “The PDP was never in ICU. Do we have challenges? Yes, we do. But what came out from all the recent recalibration of the party is the fact that this party has the capacity, at the appropriate time, to come back up and start its own internal affairs.”

The spokesman maintained that the PDP, unlike other parties, thrives on institutional strength rather than individual personalities. He emphasized that no single person owns the PDP, stressing that its democratic structures remain intact despite challenges.

PDP:Post-Election Review and Rebuilding

Ologunagba revealed that the PDP had carried out an extensive review of its performance in the 2023 elections. He described the process as a “post-mortem” designed to identify mistakes, correct weaknesses, and rebuild trust among members and supporters.

“As a party, after the 2023 elections and the challenges that came with it, what we have done is to review our processes, speak to ourselves, and find out where we were and what caused it,” he said. “What we’re trying to do is prevent those things that happened in the past. The institution that has been vindicated is the PDP – its ability to look inward and reorganize.”

He added that the exercise had strengthened internal unity, with party members showing renewed commitment. The PDP, he argued, remains the most viable alternative for Nigerians seeking competent leadership, citing its nationwide structure and grassroots presence across electoral units.

Unity Amid Disagreements

Addressing questions on internal disagreements and zoning arrangements, Ologunagba explained that debates and divergent opinions were part of the PDP’s democratic culture. He argued that the party had the institutional maturity to manage disputes without breaking ranks.

“The beauty of democracy is the fact that people disagree,” he said. “But the capacity of any political party to bring people within its fold to speak to each other is what is important. Where we were about six months ago is not where we are today. That tells you the capacity of this party.”

On disciplinary measures, the Peoples Democratic Party spokesman disclosed that members who acted against the party during the last election had been formally reprimanded. He reminded members that while party membership was voluntary, commitment to its constitution was non-negotiable. “There’s free entry, there’s free exit. But if you subscribe to obey the constitution, you must obey,” he said.

Wike and the NEC Controversy

Ologunagba also addressed reports suggesting that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was sidelined from the party’s recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. He clarified that Wike was duly invited both through an official letter and public notices in national dailies.

“This party is based on organisation and processes,” he explained. “Minister Wike was invited as a member of the NEC and the letter was duly received and acknowledged in his office. It would not be true to say he was not invited.”

He insisted that the PDP remained focused on preparing for its elective national convention in Ibadan, stressing that personalities or speculation about zoning were secondary to strengthening party structures. “We are focused on setting the party on a strong foundation with a seamless, successful national convention,” he said.

PDP Looking Ahead to Ibadan Convention

With just months to the convention, Ologunagba assured that all arrangements were already in motion. He highlighted preparations around venue readiness, logistics, and security, noting that Nigerians were looking forward to a reinvigorated PDP.

The spokesman reiterated that the PDP’s legacy of governance between 1999 and 2015 still resonates with Nigerians, many of whom yearn for its return. “Nigerians remember with nostalgia the 16 years of productive democracy and the opportunity for the pursuit of happiness in this country,” he said.

He further pointed to PDP-controlled states such as Taraba, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Oyo, and Zamfara as examples of effective governance. Concluding, he affirmed that the PDP remained an “oasis of development” and the only political platform capable of taking Nigeria out of its current challenges.