Oyo State Governor and host of the 2025 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the Ibadan gathering will be remembered as the turning point that repositioned the party for national relevance.
Makinde made the remark in his welcome address at the convention held on Saturday at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan. He praised the resilience of PDP members, noting that the road to hosting the convention had been long and challenging, but ultimately worthwhile.
“We have fought a long stretch of battle to get to this point, but here we are,” he said. “By the grace of God, this convention will go down as the one that brought a turnaround to the PDP nationally.”
The governor welcomed party leaders and delegates to Ibadan and urged them to enjoy the city’s famed local cuisine. “As you go around, don’t only politick—take time to enjoy amala and gbegiri,” he added.
Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee and Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, said the convention represented an opportunity for the PDP to reclaim its role as a stabilizing force in Nigeria. He urged the party to “reinvent itself,” acknowledging past setbacks but insisting that the PDP’s core identity and mission remain intact.
“Nigeria is looking up to us,” Fintiri said. “We must agree that as a party we have a responsibility to reinvent ourselves. The soul of the party is intact because there are men and women who believe in its mission.”
He called on members who left the PDP to return, saying unity and renewed purpose were essential as the party elects new national officers.
In goodwill messages, representatives of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees (BoT), and National Assembly caucuses commended the party’s resilience.
Speaking for the governors, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal said the PDP had arrived at the convention as “a united front determined to save Nigeria’s future,” urging full support from members.
BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara described the event as proof that the PDP cannot be weakened by internal or external challenges. He praised Makinde for his commitment and urged the incoming National Working Committee (NWC) to lead with inclusiveness and broad consultation.
“This gathering is a testament to our resilience and commitment to unity, progress, and service,” Wabara said. “The PDP will not die.”
Representing the Senate caucus, Senator Abdul Ningi declared that the turnout at the convention affirmed the party’s strength. “We have come, we have seen, and we have conquered,” he said.
Hon. Fred Agbedi, speaking for the House of Representatives PDP Caucus, pledged the lawmakers’ support for rebuilding the party, stressing the need to confront internal saboteurs and maintain party cohesion.
