The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the formation of a 13-member screening committee as part of preparations for its forthcoming national elective convention scheduled for November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The convention will be held at the Adamasingba Stadium.
The announcement was made on Saturday by Ahmadu Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State and Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC).
According to Fintiri, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), a former governorship candidate in Ondo State, will chair the screening committee. Other members include former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Achike Udenwa (Imo), as well as Josephine Anenih, Mariam Chiroma, Felix Hassan Hyat, Emmanuel Enoidem, Aduke Maina, and Zainab Maina.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State will serve as deputy chairman, while Asue Ighodalo has been named secretary, and Jacob Otorkpa as deputy secretary. The NCOC stated that the screening of aspirants will commence on Tuesday.
The PDP’s preparations come amid internal crises and ongoing legal battles, including a pending lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The party has also been hit by recent defections, with Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah reportedly leaving the PDP. While Mbah has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), several of Diri’s close associates have also defected to the ruling party, fueling speculation about his next political move.
In the northern bloc, tensions have risen over the endorsement of Tanimu Turaki, former Minister of Special Duties, as the “consensus candidate” for National Chairman. His selection, reportedly made during a meeting of northern stakeholders in the North-West, has been rejected by a faction led by Umar Bature, the outgoing National Organising Secretary, who insists the decision lacked adequate consultation.
Responding to the controversy, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, reaffirmed that the party remains open and democratic, stressing that no aspirant has been barred from contesting any position.
“No member of the party who wishes to contest any position has been denied the right to do so,” Ologunagba stated.
The upcoming convention is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction and leadership structure of the opposition party as it seeks to rebuild ahead of the next general elections.
