PDP Nat’l convention must uphold fairness, inclusivity to regain public trust – Makinde 

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the forthcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be built on fairness, inclusivity, and open debate, stressing that anything short of this would undermine the party’s efforts to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a newsletter released on Thursday evening, Makinde said the November 15–16 convention in Ibadan — where 19 new members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) are expected to be elected — represents a defining moment for the PDP.

The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), at its 101st meeting in July, had already described the convention as the pathway to restructure and revive its fortunes. Makinde echoed that sentiment, insisting that PDP leaders and delegates must rise to the occasion.

“The recent PDP Oyo State congress was held without rancour, and we now look forward to our Ibadan convention in November with hope rather than fear,” the governor said. “This is a major win for the party, for democracy, and for you, the people.”

Makinde further emphasised that the lessons from the Oyo congress should guide the national gathering. 

“We must guard this momentum. A convention grounded in fair processes, open debate, inclusivity and respect will not only strengthen our party internally but also send a powerful message: that politics can be dignified. It will show that we can manage disagreement without disunity, and that ambition can be channelled into constructive progress rather than conflict.”

For many party stakeholders, the Ibadan convention will serve as both a test of unity and a litmus paper for the PDP’s readiness to confront the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. With factions and competing interests still simmering across state chapters, analysts believe that the conduct of the exercise will either consolidate or weaken the party’s credibility.

Makinde, one of the most influential PDP governors, has consistently called for reforms and internal democracy within the party. His latest remarks are being interpreted as a call for restraint, compromise, and transparency in a contest that could shape the PDP’s national leadership for years to come.

The Oyo governor, who hosted one of the party’s most peaceful state congresses in recent times, said the PDP cannot afford to waste the opportunity presented by the November convention.