Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention in Ibadan as a landmark event that will be remembered as the turning point for the party.
Speaking at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, on Saturday, Makinde welcomed delegates and leaders from across Nigeria, praising their resilience in overcoming challenges to hold the convention. “By the grace of God, this convention will go down as the one that brought a turnaround to the PDP nationally,” he said, urging attendees to enjoy the hospitality of Ibadan and its famed local delicacies.
Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, who chaired the National Convention Organising Committee, echoed Makinde’s optimism, stressing that Nigerians were looking to the PDP to rescue the country from its current difficulties. He called on members to reinvent the party, rebuild unity, and restore loyalty, noting that despite internal struggles, “the soul of the party is still intact.”
Goodwill messages from party organs reinforced the theme of resilience. Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, speaking for the PDP Governors’ Forum, said the convention demonstrated unity and determination to “save the future of Nigeria.” Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, hailed the gathering as proof that the PDP “will not die,” urging inclusiveness and sacrifice from the incoming National Working Committee.
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing the PDP Senate Caucus, declared that the convention showed the party had “come, seen and conquered,” while Hon. Fred Agbedi, speaking for the House of Representatives caucus, pledged support for the leadership in repositioning the party.
The convention, tagged Ibadan 2025, was marked by calls for reconciliation, unity of purpose, and renewed commitment to democratic ideals. Leaders emphasized that despite past setbacks, the PDP remains a party of the people, determined to reclaim its role as Nigeria’s leading democratic force.