The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that its forthcoming national convention, scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State on November 15 and 16, is crucial for the preservation and advancement of Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, emphasized that the convention represents a significant step in repositioning the opposition party to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and reclaim leadership at the national level.
Ologunagba noted that the PDP remains resilient and strong despite the recent exit of some members. According to him, the party is not built around individuals and is confident that those who left will eventually return.
“Our party is focused on national interest, not individual ambitions. The exit of a few members will not derail the conduct or outcome of our convention. The PDP has endured and thrived because it is a party of structures, ideas, and vision,” he said.
He accused the APC-led federal government of mismanaging the country over the past decade, describing the current administration as lacking transparency and accountability.
“This government treats Nigerians with contempt. From the fuel subsidy removal to the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, there has been a consistent pattern of opacity,” Ologunagba alleged.
He described the coastal highway project as a “scam,” criticizing the award process, which he claimed lacked competitive bidding and transparency.
“We have said before that it was a scam from the beginning. The bidding process was questionable, and the contract was awarded without proper procedures. It fits the model of a special purpose vehicle meant to divert public funds,” he added.
Ologunagba further criticized the government’s handling of savings from the subsidy removal, questioning the absence of transparency and public accountability.
“They talk about subsidy savings, yet Nigerians do not know how much has been saved. Instead, we keep borrowing, and when citizens ask questions, they are shut down or intimidated. This is the hallmark of the current administration,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the convention, the PDP spokesperson said Nigerians are eagerly anticipating the event, seeing it as the beginning of the party’s resurgence and the road to reclaiming power in 2027.
“The 2025 National Convention of the PDP is critical to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. Nigerians are excited and watching closely. They understand that a strong and united PDP is key to ending the APC’s misrule,” he stated.
Reflecting on the PDP’s time in power, Ologunagba described the 16 years of the party’s governance as Nigeria’s “glorious era,” marked by economic growth, international recognition, and sound development policies.
“When the PDP came into power in 1999, Nigeria was a pariah state. But we repositioned the country. We paid off our debts, achieved double-digit GDP growth, and made Nigeria the number one destination for foreign investment in Africa,” he recalled.
He asserted that by the time the PDP handed over power in 2015, Nigeria had a $600 billion economy and was globally respected.
“All those gains have been rolled back in the last 10 years. That is why this convention is so important. It is the first step in restoring hope to Nigerians,” Ologunagba concluded.
