The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has postponed the screening of aspirants ahead of its much-anticipated 2025 Elective National Convention.
The exercise, initially scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, has been suspended due to what the party described as “unforeseen circumstances.”
This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Chairman of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri.
He assured party members that a new date would be announced soon and expressed regret over any inconvenience the decision might cause.
Fintiri reaffirmed the committee’s readiness to ensure that the forthcoming convention remains credible and transparent, promising that all aspirants would be duly informed once a new schedule is fixed.
The PDP’s national convention, which is expected to take place between November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, is a critical event in the party’s effort to rebuild its leadership structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Monday’s postponement, however, comes amid growing internal wrangling within the party’s ranks. Hours before the announcement, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido publicly declared his intention to contest for the national chairmanship position, intensifying the power struggle within the opposition.
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Lamido’s declaration followed the endorsement of former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as the northern consensus candidate for the same position—a move that has been rejected by several factions.
Notably, groups aligned with Lamido and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike have dismissed Turaki’s selection, describing it as lacking due consultation.
Party insiders have suggested that the sudden postponement may be tied to efforts by the leadership to manage these emerging divisions and prevent open confrontation among aspirants during the screening.
The screening committee, chaired by senior lawyer and former Ondo governorship candidate Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, had been tasked with vetting all candidates vying for national offices. But with growing discontent among stakeholders and last-minute political maneuvering, the committee’s work has been temporarily halted.
Analysts note that the development may further strain the PDP’s internal cohesion as it navigates leadership contests and prepares for its convention. Fintiri’s assurance of a rescheduled screening date suggests attempts to stabilise the process before it resumes.
The PDP leadership continues to appeal for calm, urging members to remain united as the party works toward conducting a peaceful and credible national convention.
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