Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the ongoing national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan will be remembered as the turning point that repositions the opposition party across the country.
Makinde stated this on Saturday while delivering his welcome address at the convention, which is taking place at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The governor described PDP members as “resilient,” noting that the party overcame significant internal battles before arriving at the point where it could successfully hold the national convention.
‘This Will Go Down as the Convention That Turned PDP Around’
“We have fought a long stretch of battle to get to this point, but here we are,” Makinde said. “By the grace of God, this convention will go down as the convention that brought a turnaround to the PDP nationally.”
He welcomed party delegates from across the country to the Oyo State capital and urged them to enjoy both the deliberations and the city’s culture.
“As you go around, don’t only politick. Use the opportunity to take amala and gbegiri in Ibadan,” he added.
Calls for Reinvention and Unity
Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee and Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, said the convention presented a critical opportunity for the PDP to reinvent itself and respond to Nigerians’ expectations.
According to him, both Nigeria and the PDP had faced turbulence in recent years, but the “soul of the party” remained intact because of members committed to its foundational democratic ideals.
“We have an opportunity, especially with this convention, to answer the call Nigerians have placed on us,” Fintiri said.
“We must admit that whatever bad that has happened to Nigeria over the past few years has also happened to our party, fractured commitment, minimal loyalty, disoriented focus.”
He urged members who left the party to return, adding that unity of purpose was essential for rebuilding ahead of future elections.
Leaders Reaffirm PDP’s Resilience
In goodwill messages, representatives of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees, and the National Assembly caucuses all praised the party’s resilience and the successful hosting of the convention.
Speaking on behalf of the PDP governors, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal said the convention demonstrated that the party remained united and focused on “saving the future of Nigeria.”
“We are here today as a united front to take this party forward,” he said. “We appeal to everyone to give us maximum support.”
Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, said the PDP had emerged stronger despite recent challenges.
“This party will not die,” he declared. “This gathering is a testament to our resilience, democratic spirit and collective commitment to unity and progress.”
He charged the incoming National Working Committee to deepen consultations, run an inclusive leadership, and maintain discipline.
National Assembly Caucuses Pledge Support
Senator Abdul Ningi, speaking for the Senate PDP Caucus, said the turnout at the convention showed the opposition party remained alive.
“We have come, we have seen, and we have conquered,” he said. “PDP is not dead, and it cannot die.”
Hon. Fred Agbedi, who represented the House of Representatives PDP Caucus, promised that lawmakers would support the new party leadership to reposition the PDP.
He warned that internal saboteurs must be addressed, but noted that no political organisation grows without challenges.
The convention continued at press time, with the election of a new National Working Committee on the agenda.
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