PDP set date to Screen Aspirants Ahead of Ibadan Convention

The Peoples Democratic Party has fixed Tuesday, October 28, 2025, for the screening of all aspirants contesting for positions in its National Working Committee as part of preparations for the party’s elective convention set to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.

This was made known by the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, in a statement released on Thursday. He explained that Monday, October 27, 2025, is the final date for aspirants to submit their completed Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms at the committee’s secretariat in Abuja.

According to the committee, the screening exercise will take place at the NCOC Secretariat Conference Hall in Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, by 2 p.m., while the screening appeal has been fixed for Thursday, October 30, 2025.

Aspirants and key party stakeholders have been directed to adhere strictly to the schedule.The development comes amid rising internal tension within the PDP as the party moves closer to its convention.

Loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are reportedly unhappy with the leadership of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, citing unresolved issues over the control of the party’s structure in the South-South region and the zoning of national offices.

In addition to the leadership dispute, legal battles have also emerged within the party. The chairmen of the PDP in Imo and Abia States have filed a suit against the Damagum-led National Working Committee, accusing it of breaching the party’s constitution.

The case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, has been marked by disagreements over legal representation and is expected to be ruled on October 30.

Meanwhile, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has denied signing the letter sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission notifying it of the forthcoming convention. He has called for a probe into the alleged forgery, a claim that the party leadership has dismissed as false.

The ongoing divisions, legal disputes, and forgery allegations have continued to raise concerns over the readiness of the PDP for the national convention, which is expected to shape the future direction of the opposition party.