Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has charged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure that the upcoming national convention is anchored on fairness, inclusivity, and open debate.
The elective convention, set for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, will produce 19 new members of the National Working Committee. Party leaders earlier described it as a decisive moment to restructure and reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde warned that only a transparent and democratic process could strengthen the party’s unity and enhance its credibility with Nigerians.
Oyo congress as template for success
The governor pointed to the recently concluded Oyo State PDP congress, which he described as rancour-free, as an example of what the party could replicate at the national level.
He noted that the congress showed disagreements could be managed without disunity and ambitions channelled into constructive outcomes rather than conflicts.
Makinde said, “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.”
A test of unity before 2027
Political observers believe the Ibadan convention will be a litmus test for the PDP’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 polls. With different interest blocs positioning for relevance, how the party handles the exercise could determine its strength in the coming years.
Makinde, however, maintained that a convention built on fair processes would send a powerful message to Nigerians that politics can be conducted with dignity.
He added that the exercise would show that the PDP is capable of providing leadership by example, even in managing its internal affairs.