Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday declared that the Ibadan 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be remembered as the turning point in the party’s national revival.
Makinde, who spoke while welcoming party leaders and delegates to the convention at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, said the PDP had fought a long and difficult battle to arrive at the historic gathering.
“By the grace of God, this convention will go down as the one that brought a turnaround to the PDP nationally,” he said, applauding members for their resilience.
He also encouraged visitors to enjoy the hospitality and cuisine of Ibadan, notably its famed amala and gbegiri.
Fintiri: Nigerians Waiting for PDP to Rescue Nation
Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee and Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, said Nigerians were looking up to the PDP to pull the nation out of its current challenges.
He urged the party to reinvent itself, admitting that internal fractures had weakened PDP in recent years.
“The soul of the party is still intact because there are men and women who believe in its fundamental tenets,” he said, calling on former members who left the party to “return home.”
PDP Leaders Reaffirm Party’s Resilience
In goodwill messages, representatives of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees (BoT), and National Assembly caucuses insisted that the successful hosting of the convention proved that the PDP remained strong and unbroken.
Speaking on behalf of the governors, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal Dare, said the PDP arrived Ibadan as a “united front determined to save the future of Nigeria,” urging members to give the party their full support.
Wabara: PDP Will Not Die
BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, described the convention as a testament to the party’s democratic spirit and resilience.
He praised Makinde for hosting the event and commended the Damagum-led NWC and Fintiri’s committee for ensuring the convention became a reality.
“This party will not die,” Wabara said. “Today, we assemble to elect a new National Working Committee. I charge every member to put forward the spirit of togetherness and sacrifice.”
He urged the incoming NWC to embrace inclusiveness, deepen consultations, and remain focused on the expectations of Nigerians.
‘PDP Has Come, Seen and Conquered’ – Ningi
Senator Abdul Ningi, who spoke on behalf of the PDP Senate Caucus, said the massive turnout at the convention was proof that “PDP is not dead and cannot die.”
Similarly, Hon. Fred Agbedi, speaking for the House of Representatives PDP Caucus, pledged the lawmakers’ support for the party’s leadership, noting that internal saboteurs must be confronted to prevent destabilisation.
