KEY POINTS
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The PDP has scheduled its national elective convention for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
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The NEC resolved to take legal action against defecting lawmakers and cautioned members fraternizing with other political parties.
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The party reaffirmed its commitment to leading democratic reform efforts and preparing for the 2027 general elections.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that its national elective convention will take place on Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. The decision was reached during the party’s 101st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday in Abuja.
A communique released at the end of the meeting disclosed that the NEC had “approved the year 2025 Elective National Convention Schedule of Activities and Timetable. Under the approved timetable, the Elective National Convention to elect the next set of National Officers of our Party will hold on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.”
The PDP leadership emphasized that the forthcoming convention represents a crucial step in repositioning the party for what it describes as a “rescue mission” to restore good governance in Nigeria. The NEC reiterated its commitment to party unity, national responsibility, and democratic renewal.
In an effort to comply with Nigeria’s electoral guidelines, the NEC directed the National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to formally notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the date, venue, and agenda of the convention. This directive is in line with Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 and Part 2(12) of the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
“The PDP remains a strong, united, cohesive, stable and focused political party repositioned to effectively play its role as the leading opposition party,” the communique stated.
To ensure a seamless convention process, the NEC approved the membership composition of both the National Convention Planning Committee and the National Convention Zoning Committee. These bodies are tasked with overseeing the logistics and regional distribution of party offices to guarantee transparency and inclusivity.
Legal battles and warnings over defections
The NEC also turned its attention to internal party discipline and legal matters. A key resolution adopted during the meeting involved immediate legal action against all elected officials who won their positions under the PDP platform but later defected to other political parties.
Citing constitutional provisions, the communique emphasized that “by virtue of the self-executory provision of Sections 68 (1) (g) and 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats, there being no division or merger with regard to the PDP.”
The PDP NEC condemned the participation of some members in meetings and activities of other political parties, describing such behavior as a breach of loyalty and a threat to the party’s internal cohesion. It urged those involved to retrace their steps, noting that Nigerian law prohibits dual party membership.
“NEC calls on these members to reconsider their actions and show loyalty and commitment as members of the PDP especially as the law does not permit membership of two political parties at the same time,” the party warned.
The NEC also assured aggrieved members that their concerns were being addressed through internal reconciliation mechanisms and reforms already underway.
“NEC restates that the PDP as the leading opposition party and platform of choice for all Nigerians remains open in working with other well-meaning and like-minded citizens in the collective effort to rescue our nation,” the statement continued.
The PDP concluded the meeting by reaffirming its dedication to democratic values, vowing to lead the movement for a people-oriented government to replace the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in 2027.
“NEC reassures of PDP’s belief in democracy, and its commitment and readiness to be at the forefront in driving the aspiration of Nigerians to oust the APC and install a people-oriented government on the platform of the PDP come 2027,” the statement concluded.
The next (102nd) NEC meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2025.
