Seyi Makinde Brags Ahead of Ibadan PDP Convention, Says 'It Will Mark PDP’s Turnaround'
By: Olufemi Orunsola
Ahead of the 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party schedule to hold Ibadan, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has bragged that the convention will mark a historic turning point for the opposition party.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that Governor Seyi Makinde made the declaration on Saturday, stating that the convention would go down as a historic turning point for the party.
OTN News furrher reports that Governor Makinde, who is the host governor of the convention tagged “Ibadan 2025,” made the remark while welcoming delegates to the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, in Ibadan.
Describing members of the PDP as resilient, he stressed that the party had endured a long period of internal battles to reach the point where it could hold the convention successfully.
In his words, “I want to welcome everyone to this convention—the resilient members of the PDP. Let me use this opportunity to welcome you to Ibadan, the state capital.
“We have fought a long stretch of battle to get to this point, but here we are. And by the grace of God, this convention will go down as the convention that brought a turnaround to the PDP nationally.
“As you go around, don’t only politick. You should also use the opportunity to take amala and gbegiri in Ibadan. On that note, on behalf of the people of this state, especially members of the PDP, we welcome you,” Makinde said.
In a similar vein, the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee and Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, who also addressed the gathering said Nigerians were looking to the PDP to rescue the country from its current challenges, adding that the Ibadan convention was a critical step for the party as it works to reposition itself.
He urged the party to reinvent itself, noting that despite the difficulties it had faced, its core values remained strong.
“Power to the party stands for a party solidly formed on the tenets of courage and democratic ideals to rescue Nigeria. And it must at all times never veer off from the course of our fundamental tenets.
“Nigeria and Nigerians are still looking up to us to play the role that has always been our tradition. Indeed, Nigeria has reset back to the pre-PDP era and is looking up to the PDP to pull it back,” he said.
Fintiri added that the party must accept its internal challenges, including weakened commitment and reduced loyalty, and work towards unity and renewed purpose.
He also called on former members who left the party to return, saying the soul of the PDP remained intact.
Speaking on behalf of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, said the party had arrived at the convention united and determined to take the party forward.
“As you can see, we are here today as a united front to take this party forward. We are appealing to everyone here to give us maximum support so that we can save the future of Nigeria. I wish us a successful deliberation,” he said.
On his own part, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, said he and other members of the board were fulfilled that the convention became a reality, describing it as a testament to the party’s democratic spirit and resilience.
Wabara urged members to prioritise unity and sacrifice and advised the incoming National Working Committee to deepen consultations and promote inclusive leadership.
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