Ibadan, Oyo State — Host governor of the 2025 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention, Seyi Makinde, says the outcome of the gathering in Ibadan will reshape and improve the party’s national standing ahead of future elections.
Makinde made the remark in his welcome address on Saturday at the ongoing convention holding at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
He noted that the PDP had “sacrificed a lot” to make the convention a reality and urged delegates to remain united and peaceful throughout the exercise, stressing that internal cohesion would be critical to repositioning the party.
The governor also commended the Convention Organising Committee led by Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, praising the team’s efforts in putting together the event. Fintiri had earlier received the National Convention Flag during the flag presentation segment.
Declaring the convention open, PDP acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum, who received the PDP party flag, called on all delegates to sustain their loyalty, commitment and support for the party’s leadership. He expressed confidence that the Ibadan convention would further strengthen the PDP’s structures across the country.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, lauded the resilience and faith of party members, declaring that the PDP “will not perish” but continue to make progress.
Wabara urged delegates to work together to ensure the party’s success, and advised party executives at all levels to run an all-inclusive organisation that encourages broad participation and unity of purpose.
Also speaking, Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi North Senatorial District, said the party’s mission remains focused on safeguarding Nigeria’s future, signalling that the convention is as much about long-term national vision as it is about internal party housekeeping.
Earlier in the ceremony, several key figures received symbolic flags:
- Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum received the Nigerian flag.
- Governor Seyi Makinde received the Oyo State flag.
- Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, received the Senate flag.
- Hon. Fred Agbedi received the House of Representatives flag.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the convention commenced with the accreditation of over 3,000 delegates drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as the PDP seeks to rally its base and chart a new course for its national revival.
