Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the party to ensure it conducts a reputable national convention, stressing that its outcome would help to win back confidence for the party and bring back aggrieved members.
The secretary of the party’s BoT, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, said this during the BoT held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
The meeting came ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of which was fixed November 15 and 16, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The communique of the NEC meeting presented by the national publicity secretary of PDP, Hon Debo Ologunagba, read, “Pursuant to the foregoing, NEC approved the year 2025 Elective National Convention Schedule of Activities and Timetable.
“Under the approved Timetable, the Elective National Convention to elect the next set of National Officers of our Party will hold on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.
“Consequently, NEC directed the National Chairman, His Excellency, Amb. Iliya Damagum and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu to officially write to inform the Independent National Electoral Comm ission (INEC) of the time, venue and agenda of the Elective National Convention in accordance with the requirement of Section 82 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 and Part 2(12) of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022.
“The NEC also approved the membership composition of the National Convention Committee as well as the membership composition of the National Convention Zoning Committee to ensure a successful, transparent and credible Elective National Convention,” the communique stated.
But Makarfi, who noted that party members who left did so out of anger, noted that the outcome of the anticipated convention will decide whether they will return or not.
He urged all party leaders to build on what he called the stability that the party has enjoyed in recent weeks.
He said, “The ball is in our court to make such that the outcome of the national sends a strong message to Nigerians.”
He added, “Whatever the grievances might be’ but he said if they work together, the convention will resolve all the issues.
He further told the party leaders to know when to express personal opinions and party opinions.
He said “We must never show to the public that we are a group that anybody can do what he or she likes at any time.”
On his part, the acting national chairman of PDP, Amb Illiya Damagum, said there is a new era in the party after the founding fathers conference meeting.
Speaking on those who left the party, he said they should not allow their ambition becloud their reasoning.
