Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reaffirmed that the party’s 2025 Elective National Convention will take place as planned on November 15 and 16, 2025, describing the dates as “irrevocable and sacrosanct.” The decision was reached at an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday night at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
The meeting brought together a broad representation of party leaders, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC), serving and former governors, members of the National Assembly, members of the Board of Trustees (BOT), and state party chairmen from across the country. According to participants, the goal was to address concerns about the convention timeline and to present a united front ahead of the exercise.
In a unanimous resolution, the stakeholders stressed that the party would not shift the planned dates, despite rumours in some political circles that the convention might be postponed. They said the decision to restate the dates was taken to prevent unnecessary tension among party members and to show that the PDP remains focused on internal stability and organisation.
Sources at the meeting said the reaffirmation was also meant to strengthen confidence in the party’s leadership. The PDP, which has been Nigeria’s main opposition party since losing power in 2015, has faced internal disagreements at different times, especially on zoning, leadership positions, and the organisation of national congresses.
By insisting on the scheduled dates, party leaders said they wanted to avoid the type of confusion that has affected previous conventions. They added that early clarity would allow all organs of the party to prepare properly for the election of new national officers in 2025.
Several party chieftains highlighted that discipline and adherence to timelines were important for the PDP’s future. They said the party must show Nigerians that it is capable of internal order if it hopes to win public trust ahead of future national elections.
The PDP National Convention is one of the most important events in the party’s calendar. It is where delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory elect national officers who will lead the party for the next four years.
The positions to be contested usually include the National Chairman, National Secretary, Deputy National Chairman (North and South), National Organising Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, and several other key roles. The outcome of the convention often shapes the party’s direction, strategy, and internal balance of power.
Speaking at the meeting, several stakeholders expressed confidence that the PDP is gradually rebuilding itself despite facing internal and external pressures. They said the attendance at the emergency meeting—featuring former governors, lawmakers, and party elders—was proof that the party remains strong across the federation.
A senior party official who attended the meeting said the reaffirmation of the dates was intended to send a clear message: “There will be no shifting, no delay, and no political manoeuvring. The PDP is focused, and the November 15–16 dates are final.”
He added that preparations for the convention would begin immediately and that all party members would be carried along throughout the process.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders called on all party members to work together to ensure a smooth and transparent convention. They urged members to avoid actions that could create divisions or fuel mistrust.
They also encouraged state chapters to intensify grassroots mobilisation so the party can regain its strength nationwide. Many speakers noted that rebuilding trust at the local level is crucial ahead of the 2027 elections.
For now, the PDP says its focus is on ensuring that the 2025 Elective National Convention is conducted peacefully, fairly, and without controversy. With the dates now reaffirmed, party leaders say they are determined to maintain stability and prepare for the next phase of the party’s political journey.
