Internal Conflicts Won’t Stop Our National Convention – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the conflicts within the party won’t hamper the conduct of its national convention which will be held on 15–16 November, 2025.

The national publicity secretary of PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, who stated this yesterday, however warned members not to work against the party.

He added that the party’s constitution forbids dual membership and actions capable of undermining internal cohesion.

This comes against the backdrop of fresh rift over the control of the party in Akwa Ibom.
Recall that Ologunagba’s announcement of the removal of the State Working Committee (SWC) and the appointment of a caretaker team led by Igwat Umoren, was countered by the party’s national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who in a letter to the incumbent state chairman, Aniekan Akpan, declared the decision ‘null and void.’

Akpan has also rejected the dissolution.

But speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja yesterday, Ologunagba said the party is prepared for its November convention.

He said, “What some see as conflict is, in fact, democracy in action. The national chairman provides overall leadership and can summon meetings, while the national secretary carries out administrative duties. The secretary cannot unilaterally call meetings or release statements without approval,” he said.

He backed his claim by citing Section 35 of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), which outlines the functions of the national chairman.

He assured members and Nigerians that preparations remain on track for the convention.
“Every chapter is involved, our leaders across the country are working together, and preparations are on course. There is no threat to the process. Nigerians can rest assured that on 15–16 November 2025, the convention will take place as scheduled,” he stated.

On the Akwa Ibom crisis, the PDP party spokesman said its decisions stand, warning members against promoting parallel narratives.

“The meeting that produced the party’s position was properly convened, with records and videos to prove it. Anyone claiming otherwise is misleading the public,” Ologunagba added.

Reacting to the Independence Day address of President Bola Tinubu, Ologunagba said it was uninspiring and disappointing.

He accused the APC-led government of worsening the economy and plunging Nigeria into unsustainable debt.

Ologunagba recalled that under past PDP administrations, debts were cleared and unemployment remained low.

He also said the president has failed to secure the country while referring to the recent killing of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a lawyer and journalist in Abuja.

“He claimed that the economy is performing well, but Nigerians are asking: which corner has the economy really turned?

“Is it the corner of insecurity, where violence has crippled farming and production? The corner of rising costs, where parents cannot pay school fees? Or the corner where families live in fear of kidnappers and bandits?” Ologunagba asked.