As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its national convention scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, top members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) have outlined what they expect from the incoming national chairman.
They stressed the need for inclusive leadership, internal reconciliation, and renewed commitment to unity ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking in a recent interview with The PUNCH, former National Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Tsauri, and the Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, expressed confidence that the next National Working Committee (NWC) would rejuvenate the opposition party and restore its credibility before the next election cycle.
Tsauri said the convention would mark “a new era of collective and credible leadership” within the party.
“What we are advocating is collective and credible leadership made up of individuals with integrity, capacity, and genuine commitment to the ideals of the PDP,” he said.
“We are optimistic that the next national chairman and the NWC will embody these qualities and work selflessly to rebuild, reposition, and restore the party’s credibility ahead of future elections.”
PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to South
Naijaonpoint reports that at its 102nd NEC meeting held on August 25, 2025, in Abuja, the PDP resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while reserving the national chairmanship position for the North.
Following that decision, northern leaders convened over the weekend and micro-zoned the chairmanship slot to the North-West region.
Last week, Northern PDP governors, led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, alongside other party leaders, endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the North’s consensus candidate for the chairmanship position.
However, the decision has not gone unchallenged. Some northern stakeholders, reportedly backing former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, voiced their displeasure, alleging that they were not consulted before Turaki’s endorsement.
According to reports, the dissenting group is led by the National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Umar Bature.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is said to be backing his ally, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, for the same position, a move believed could further test the fragile balance within the party.
The former national secretary, Tsauri, maintained that the incoming leadership must place a premium on party discipline and strict adherence to the PDP constitution.
“We expect that under the leadership of the next national chairman, discipline will be fully enshrined within the party,” he told The PUNCH.
“The new leadership must promote party supremacy, ensure that the constitution of the party is strictly followed in all its activities, and guarantee a level playing field for all members, irrespective of status or affiliation.”
Tsauri added that such an approach would rebuild trust among members and attract those who had left the party.
“We are confident that such leadership will foster unity, fairness, and renewed confidence among members. Many who left will return, while those still within will be further motivated to remain steadfast,” he said.
He reaffirmed faith in the PDP’s national reach, describing it as the “only truly national political party” with deep structures across all states.
“As founding members and loyal stakeholders, we remain committed to the vision and values of the PDP,” he added.
Next Chairman Must Listen and Unite Members – Osadolor
On his part, the Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, advised that the incoming national chairman and NWC members must learn from past mistakes and embrace inclusive dialogue.
“I want the next national chairman to imbibe the spirit of listening, learning, and engaging all sides of the divide within the party,” Osadolor said.
“Because it is when you truly see, you can hear what everybody has to say and understand how they feel. It’s through engagement that you know what is really happening.”
He warned that the office of the national chairman must not be reduced to a platform for personal ambition.
“Whoever will lead must not come with a personal mission. He or she must see this opportunity as a call to reposition the party for victory, unite all members, provide equal opportunities for everyone, and never seek to undermine anybody,” he stated.
According to him, the new leadership must focus on harmonisation, reconciliation, and sacrifice to move the party forward.
“The next PDP leaders must preach harmonisation and reconciliation and must be ready to sacrifice for the party and for Nigeria at large,” Osadolor added.
Naijaonpoint reports that with less than a month to the convention, political manoeuvring within the PDP has intensified. While the zoning arrangement appears settled, the contest for the national chairmanship remains a test of unity within the party’s northern bloc and its broader national cohesion.
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