Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, became the centre of political attention last weekend as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its highly anticipated National Convention.
Thousands of delegates, led by sitting governors and prominent party leaders, filled the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, for a two-day gathering that began on Saturday, November 15, 2025, and continued into Sunday.
The stadium was a lively scene, decorated with colourful PDP banners, drums, and posters of governors and candidates contesting various positions, creating an almost carnival-like atmosphere.
To maintain security, police, civil defence officers, the DSS, and army were strategically deployed, while traffic officials managed heavy flows along Obafemi Awolowo Road and surrounding areas.
Tension surfaced early when delegates tore down posters of absentee governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, expressing anger at their refusal to attend what they considered a decisive convention.
Present governors included Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and host governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
The convention also drew influential PDP figures such as former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, founding father Chief Olabode George, and ex-governors Udom Emmanuel, Babangida Aliyu, and Ibrahim Shekarau.
Governor of Adamawa State and chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee, Umaru Fintiri, opened the event, stressing that Nigerians continue to look to the PDP for national leadership.
Governor Makinde welcomed delegates and described the Ibadan convention as a potential turning point for the party’s future.
“I want to welcome everyone to this convention, the resilient members of the PDP. Let me use this opportunity to welcome you to Ibadan, Oyo State,” he said.
“We have fought a long stretch of battle to get to this point, but here we are. And by the grace of God, this convention will go down as the convention that brought a turn-around to the PDP nationally.”
Makinde also encouraged delegates to experience the city’s hospitality.
Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, speaking for the PDP Governors’ Forum, emphasised unity among governors and urged maximum support from delegates to strengthen the party.
Senator Adolphus Wabara, chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, described the convention as a victory for the party, highlighting its resilience, democratic spirit, and commitment to unity.
He urged the newly elected National Working Committee members to practice inclusive leadership and uphold the party’s core principles.
The task ahead requires unity of purpose, boldness, courage, discipline and an unwavering focus on the aspirations of Nigerians, who look to our party for hope and leadership.”
Senator Abdul Ningi of the PDP Senate Caucus noted that the strong turnout demonstrated the party’s enduring influence.
Hon. Fred Agbedi, representing the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives, assured full support to the party’s agenda while warning against internal sabotage.
One major outcome of the convention was the expulsion of high-profile members, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; factional National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; former Ekiti governor, Ayodele Fayose; the National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN); and several others for alleged anti-party activities.
Chief Olabode George moved the motion for expulsion, seconded by Governor Bala Mohammed, and it was approved unanimously by delegates present.
The climax of the convention came with the election of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki from Kebbi State, as the new National Chairman of the PDP.
Senator Ben Obi, convention secretary, declared Turaki victorious with 1,516 votes, while Mr. Solarin Adekunle emerged as Deputy National Organising Secretary, with several other candidates returned unopposed.
Turaki, in his acceptance speech, acknowledged the magnitude of the responsibility placed on him and the new NWC, vowing to implement guiding principles and operational frameworks promptly.
The convention went ahead despite court rulings seeking to halt it, reflecting the party’s determination to hold its national gathering.
Observers remain cautious, noting that the outcomes could either help resolve long-standing internal crises or deepen existing divisions within the PDP.
What remains clear is that the Turaki-led NWC faces a significant task in uniting factions, strengthening grassroots structures, and restoring public confidence in the party.
The convention has provided a platform for the PDP to show its continued relevance in Nigerian politics while signalling a potential new phase under fresh leadership.
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