Ibadan, Oyo State — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention is in full swing in Ibadan, where party leaders, governors and lawmakers from across Nigeria have converged for a high-profile gathering marked by ceremonial flag presentations and the accreditation of thousands of delegates.
At the opening ceremony, PDP National Chairman, Amb. Ilya Damagum, formally received the PDP party flag, symbolising his role as the chief custodian of the party’s mandate. The National Convention Flag was presented to Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, who serves as Chairman of the National Convention, underscoring his authority over proceedings.
The Nigerian national flag was handed to Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, reflecting the party’s national outlook and its aspirations in federal politics. Host Governor Seyi Makinde received the Oyo State flag, highlighting Ibadan’s role as both venue and symbolic home for the convention.
Other key parliamentary leaders were also honoured: Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, received the Senate flag, while Hon. Fred Agbedi accepted the House of Representatives flag, reinforcing the party’s presence in the National Assembly and its minority leadership structure.
The convention kicked off with the accreditation of over 3,000 delegates drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Delegates thronged accreditation centres in Ibadan on Saturday afternoon in preparation for the voting and plenary sessions expected to shape the party’s direction in the coming months.
Ibadan has been buzzing since Friday as party faithful, stakeholders and supporters arrived in large numbers, turning the Oyo State capital into a major hub of PDP activity.
On the eve of the convention, Governor Makinde hosted a pre-convention dinner attended by PDP governors, former governors, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and members of the National Working Committee. Among those present were the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Rivers and Zamfara, as well as former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Ibrahim Dankwambo, signalling a show of strength and unity among the party’s top ranks.
With the flags presented, delegates accredited and leaders seated in Ibadan, the PDP National Convention moves into its decisive phase, as party organs meet to take key decisions ahead of future political battles.
