Senior figures of the Peoples Democratic Party, one of Nigeria’s major political parties, have formally settled on the city of Ibadan, located in Oyo State in South West Nigeria, as the host location for the party’s forthcoming elective national convention. The announcement was made by the Governor of Adamawa State in North East Nigeria, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who also serves as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Convention Planning Committee.
Governor Fintiri addressed journalists late on Thursday after a strategic internal meeting that brought together an array of influential party leaders in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. Okay News reports that the gathering took place at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in the Asokoro district, a meeting point often used by high-ranking political stakeholders for sensitive negotiations.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures including the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde; the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagum; former President of the Senate of Nigeria and past Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki; the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba; and former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs of Nigeria, Tanimu Turaki, among others.
Speaking after what he described as an extensive strategic session, Governor Fintiri stated, “We have just come out of our critical stakeholders meeting where a lot of elaborate decisions were taken. I want to tell you here that we are going to Ibadan for our convention, and the convention is sacrosanct.”
His security team, however, quickly ushered him away when journalists sought further clarification on the condition of internal party cohesion and pending matters concerning preparations for the convention.
Despite the brief nature of his remark, the declaration signals that the leadership structure of the Peoples Democratic Party is determined to press ahead with the convention, which is expected to shape the future of the party’s national hierarchy and electoral direction as Nigeria prepares for upcoming political cycles.
