Ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, governors elected on the platform of the opposition party have promised a transparent process anchored on internal democracy.
The Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, said the party leadership is committed to ensuring that the convention holds as planned and that all members are carried along.
Fintiri, who spoke during a meeting of the Protocol Subcommittee on Monday in Abuja, assured that no stone would be left unturned to ensure a successful exercise.
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The forthcoming convention has faced internal discontent since its announcement, following conditions set by a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, led by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The group had demanded, among other things, recognition of the South-South zonal congress in Calabar, which produced Dan Orbih as zonal chairman but was rejected by the National Working Committee (NWC).
They also opposed the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State executive by the NWC and rejected the proposed micro-zoning arrangement, insisting that the North Central zone should produce the next national chairman. The group warned that these issues could jeopardise the success of the convention.
However, despite the tensions, Fintiri, who spoke alongside the Protocol Subcommittee chairman and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said preparations were in top gear and that the delegates list would soon be released.
He reiterated the committee’s commitment to inclusivity, assuring that no aspirant would be shut out of the process.
Fintiri emphasised that the process would be open and transparent.
“We are not going to deny anybody access to contest in the election. I will personally ensure that the screening committee does not do any hanky-panky. Everyone who has purchased forms will be screened once they have no encumbrances in their documents or past records,” he said.
“So, you can still move around and canvass for votes. It’s not a closed system; it’s open. There’s nothing to worry about — it’s true democracy. If you feel you are popular, go to the field and test your strength. At the end of the day, those supported by the majority will emerge victorious.”
In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang said the high level of commitment among members underscored the resilience of the PDP and its continued relevance in Nigeria’s political space.
“I have always maintained that those who founded the PDP would not wish for it to die in our time,” Mutfwang said. “We have a responsibility to keep the platform alive for Nigerians. For the convention to be smooth, the work of this committee is critical.
“If you see any meeting well-organised, with a lot of ease and flow, it’s because the protocol was well handled,” he added.
