Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that the upcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be anchored on fair processes, open debate, and inclusivity to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made the statement in a newsletter released on Thursday evening, where he underscored the importance of internal party democracy and unity in strengthening the PDP’s chances at the polls.
The PDP’s elective national convention is scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, during which 19 new members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) are expected to emerge.
The convention was approved during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 24 as part of efforts to restructure and revamp the party.
Highlighting the success of the recently held PDP congress in Oyo State, Makinde described it as a model for what the national convention could achieve.
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“The recent PDP Oyo State congress was held without rancour, and we now look forward to our Ibadan convention in November with hope rather than fear. This is a major win for the party, for democracy, and for you, the people,” Makinde stated.
He stressed that a well-conducted convention would not only reinforce internal cohesion but also restore public confidence in the party’s democratic values.
“A convention grounded in fair processes, open debate, inclusivity and respect will not only strengthen our party internally but also send a powerful message: that politics can be dignified,” he said.
Makinde further noted that managing disagreements through dialogue and mutual respect would prove that ambition within the party can be directed towards progress, not conflict.
The Oyo governor has been a key figure in recent efforts to reposition the PDP following its performance in the 2023 elections. The November convention is widely seen as a critical moment for the party as it prepares to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election.
