The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that its forthcoming National Convention will proceed as scheduled in Ibadan, Oyo State, from November 15 to 16, despite ongoing defections and internal disagreements.
The Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, made the declaration on Saturday in Abuja during the inauguration of the party’s National Convention Publicity and Communication Sub-Committee. He assured members and supporters that neither political defections nor external pressures would derail the convention, which aims to reform and strengthen the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Mohammed emphasized that the PDP remains united, resilient, and determined to emerge stronger, despite current challenges. “We have been suffering a lot as a party, but we have been withering the storm, and we will continue to wither the storm. This convention is here to stay. We are going to Ibadan by the grace of God. No Jupiter will stop us,” he declared.
Internal Frictions and Defections Threaten Party Cohesion
The planned convention follows months of internal turmoil within the PDP, which culminated in a resolution at its 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 24 to hold a National Elective Convention. During the event, 19 new members of the National Working Committee (NWC) are expected to be elected to reposition the party.
However, the unity of the party has been tested by dissatisfaction among loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who have expressed grievances over the Umar Damagum-led NWC’s handling of South-South zonal leadership and party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States. Wike’s camp has warned that the upcoming convention could be jeopardised if these issues are not addressed.
In addition, speculation has grown over the possible defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) before the November convention. These moves have raised concerns about the PDP’s internal cohesion and its ability to present a united front in the buildup to 2027.
Bala Mohammed: ‘PDP’s Survival Is Nigeria’s Survival’
Governor Mohammed called on party leaders and members to remain steadfast and focused on the greater mission of national renewal. He urged them to “change the narrative” and restore confidence in democratic governance, insisting that the PDP’s resilience symbolizes hope for Nigeria’s political future.
“We have to change the style of governance in this country. This is the time to do it,” he said. “We have never suffered as a nation as we are suffering today under the APC. Since we left office, nobody took over—it’s as if there’s been a vacuum in delivering democratic dividends.”
Mohammed also tasked the newly inaugurated publicity committee with the responsibility of enlightening and mobilising Nigerians ahead of the convention, encouraging them not to be discouraged by defections or distractions. “Staying back to fight is what makes a man or woman,” he said. “You are men and women of strength and integrity. Be emboldened, and don’t be disturbed by the shenanigans of doubting Thomases.”
A Test of Unity Before 2027
Political observers see the Ibadan convention as a crucial test of the PDP’s ability to rebuild trust among its members and redefine its role as Nigeria’s leading opposition party. With the ruling APC facing criticism over economic hardship and governance challenges, the PDP hopes to leverage the convention as a platform to project unity, rejuvenate its structures, and reassert its relevance ahead of the next general election.
Whether the party succeeds in navigating its internal differences remains to be seen, but Governor Bala Mohammed’s insistence that “no dark forces will succeed over us” reflects a renewed determination within the PDP to reclaim its footing in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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