Leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed optimism and renewed confidence on Thursday as the party successfully held its 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the Wadata Plaza Secretariat in Abuja.
The gathering, which marked a significant moment in the PDP’s ongoing efforts to reposition itself, saw the attendance of six governors, including Bauchi State Governor and PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Senator Bala Mohammed, and Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
Representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also present at the meeting.
After months of postponed attempts and defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other opposition alignments, the PDP viewed the successful convening of the NEC as a major step forward in its rebuilding process.
“The composition of this NEC attests to the fact that the PDP is still one and waxing stronger. We look forward to our national convention, flowing from here,” declared Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, during his opening address.
Damagum acknowledged recent internal struggles, noting that while some members had left and returned, others insisted they never departed. He praised the turnout as a signal that party unity was within reach.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who represented BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, shared a message of encouragement from the party’s Board of Trustees.
“Many believed this meeting would never hold, but today we have proved the doubters wrong,” said Makarfi, who serves as BoT Secretary. He emphasised the party’s ability to overcome internal divisions and stage a “successful national convention” ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Nigeria is waiting for us,” he added. “As we rebuild trust, we must also be mindful of our statements to avoid igniting unnecessary tensions.”
In a strong show of commitment, the PDP Governors’ Forum reaffirmed its “undiluted” support for the party, while also expressing disappointment over members who left prematurely.
“Some of our people were impatient and walked away before we began this rebuilding. Sadly, they have missed the opportunity to be part of the PDP’s resurgence,” Bala Mohammed stated. He reiterated that although the party remains open to returnees, it would no longer tolerate indiscipline.
“Our doors are open, but indiscipline won’t be accommodated. That’s what weakened us before,” he said.
Mohammed also expressed gratitude to the party’s founding fathers for their continued involvement and stressed the need for loyalty and unity over personal grudges.
Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro and House of Representatives Caucus Leader Hon. Kingsley Chinda assured the gathering of the lawmakers’ commitment to strengthening party cohesion.
“Those who remain in the PDP must be clear that they’re here to serve the people and not merely looking for where to survive politically,” Moro stated.
As of the time of this report, the NEC meeting continued behind closed doors with expectations high for decisive resolutions that would set the stage for the upcoming national convention and 2027 general elections.
PDP postpones national convention to November
The National Elective Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, earlier scheduled to hold in August in Kano State, has been shifted to November 15 and 16, 2025.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, made this known while speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday shortly after its 101st National Executive Committee meeting.
According to him, the November meeting will be held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
