By Ayomide Otitoju
The national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), organised by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee, commenced on Sunday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Delegates, many dressed in party uniforms emblazoned with the PDP logo, were seated at the stadium’s velodrome, while others were accredited and cleared by security personnel at designated checkpoints. The venue was decorated in the party’s colours, with umbrellas—the symbol of the PDP—prominently displayed.
Okezie Ikpeazu, former governor of Abia State and chairman of the convention planning committee, told Channels Television that 2,503 delegates from across the country were expected to participate in the two-day exercise, which will run from Sunday to Monday. The convention is aimed at electing party officials to lead the PDP as the 2027 general elections approach.
The National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC), supported by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, had denied receiving any court order to halt the convention. Jungudo Mohammed, spokesperson for the caretaker committee, affirmed that all legal and party requirements had been met, and the exercise would proceed as planned.
“The National Caretaker Working Committee has worked tirelessly to ensure that this convention is credible, transparent, inclusive, and reflective of the collective aspirations of our members across the country. All necessary arrangements have been concluded to guarantee a smooth, peaceful, and successful exercise,” Mohammed said.
He added, “The PDP remains a law-abiding institution, committed to strengthening democracy in Nigeria. On recent developments, including attempts by certain individuals to disrupt this process, we urge all members to remain calm and focused. The party has consistently extended the hand of reconciliation, and that door remains open. However, we will not allow the progress and stability of our great party to be undermined.”
