The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that its upcoming 2025 National Convention will be open to all qualified aspirants, allowing them to freely test their popularity ahead of the party’s elective process.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Chairman of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), made the announcement during the inaugural meeting of the Protocol Sub-committee chaired by Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, held in Abuja on Monday.
Fintiri assured party members of a transparent and inclusive process, emphasizing that no qualified aspirant would be denied the opportunity to contest. “We are not going to deny anybody going into the election. I am going to also ensure, with my advice, that we sit even in the screening committee to see that they don’t do any hanky-panky,” he said.
The Governor encouraged aspirants to actively engage and canvass for votes, explaining that the names of delegates would be published alongside the sub-committee members to ensure transparency. “Go and test your popularity on the field. Go and test your popularity because we are already finalising the names of the delegates… It’s not as if we are running a closed system — it’s open. It’s a true democracy,” Fintiri said.
He expressed confidence that the most popular and widely supported candidates would ultimately prevail, emphasizing his commitment to organizing a credible convention that produces capable leaders.
“Apart from Islam, PDP is next to any association that I believe has given me everything that I have achieved in life. So I will forever remain grateful to this party,” Fintiri added.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, chairman of the Protocol Sub-committee, urged members to dedicate themselves to the success of the convention, highlighting the responsibility of preserving the PDP’s legacy. “Those who started the PDP will not want or wish that it should die in our time. We, therefore, have a responsibility to make sure that we keep the platform alive for the people of Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Sub-committee Deputy Chairman, Senator Olalere Oyewunmi, described the session as fruitful, with new ideas shared to ensure a smooth, rancour-free event.
“PDP is known for progress, painstaking arrangement, and superb political organization. The Ibadan venue, known for its political significance, has inspired many ideas to make sure the convention is seamless,” Oyewunmi said.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, Secretary of the Protocol Sub-committee and Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, affirmed that Ibadan is fully prepared to host the convention and all its delegates.
“Oyo State is renowned as a hotbed of politics and is ready to welcome notables and citizens from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The PDP is truly representative of the nation’s diverse cross-section,” she said.
The PDP’s 2025 National Convention promises to be a major event in the party’s political calendar, aimed at reinforcing democratic principles and unity within Nigeria’s leading opposition party.
