PDP Will Hold National Convention in Ibadan Despite Opposition Threats - Adeoye

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Prince Laja Adeoye, has firmly dismissed calls for the suspension or postponement of the party’s forthcoming National Convention, describing such demands as selfish and anti-party.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, Prince Adeoye reaffirmed that the PDP National Convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, will proceed as planned.

“The National Convention will not be suspended or postponed under any guise,” Adeoye declared. “Those advocating for its shift are not acting in the interest of the party but are pursuing narrow, selfish political ambitions.

”The convention is expected to attract over 20,000 delegates, party leaders, elders, admirers, decampees, and members from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Delegates will elect new national officers who will pilot the affairs of the main opposition party for the next four years.

Adeoye expressed delight at the enthusiasm among party members nationwide, noting that the event represents “a defining moment for the PDP to take a great leap forward.” He praised Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his “trailblazing leadership” and the state government’s readiness to host the massive gathering.“

“PDP members across the country have passed a resounding vote of confidence in Governor Seyi Makinde. This successful convention will further strengthen our chances of returning to power in the 2027 presidential election,” he said.

The Lagos PDP chieftain accused certain elements within the party of working in concert with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to frustrate the convention, warning that any attempt to create a de facto one-party state would fail.

“Those desperately trying to scuttle this convention may be doing the bidding of the APC. Their actions will fail flatly,” Adeoye asserted.

He also addressed ongoing court cases being used by some party leaders to challenge the convention, stating that the Supreme Court has already delivered far-reaching judgments that resolved the contentious issues.“Relying on pending court matters to stop the convention amounts to a clear abuse of court processes. The legal questions have been extensively settled by the highest court in the land,” he stressed.

Adeoye urged the new national leadership that will emerge from the Ibadan convention to prioritize reconciliation, urging genuine aggrieved members to be brought back into the fold for the overall interest of the party.

At the same time, he warned individuals allegedly plotting to hijack the party’s structure and the 2027 presidential ticket against undermining the will of the majority.

“There are persons who know that under the current democratic structure of the party, they cannot secure the presidential ticket. That is why they are sponsoring campaigns against the convention. Party members must remain vigilant and resist any attempt to hijack our great party,” he concluded.

The PDP National Convention in Ibadan is shaping up to be one of the most crucial gatherings in the party’s and Nigeria’s recent political history as it seeks to resolve lingering internal crises and reposition itself as a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.