Bauchi State Governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Bala Mohammed, has vowed that the main opposition party will mount a formidable challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the PDP held Thursday in Abuja, Governor Mohammed assured members that efforts are underway to reposition the party as a credible alternative for Nigerians.
“We will give the APC credible running for their money, in terms of contests that will be given on a level playing field with the party that is in touch,” he said.
The governor expressed optimism about the PDP’s capacity to lead any viable political coalition, noting that the party remains the central force in Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
“We are working behind the scenes, behind the NWC, the BOT, the caucuses of the National Assembly, and state chapters to ensure we remain intact and provide a credible platform for Nigerians to actualise their aspirations.”
He called on party members to refrain from attacking defectors and instead keep the door open for reconciliation.
“This is not the time for calling names or abuse. We sympathise with those who became impatient and left, but certainly, they will understand their fault. We will still leave the door ajar for them to come back—within a time limit.”
Mohammed also emphasized the need to enforce internal discipline, stressing that indiscipline had long plagued the party.
“We will not continue to condone indiscipline because indiscipline is what brought us all the problems and challenges.”
He commended the current National Working Committee (NWC) for showing leadership and willingness to put the party’s interest first, including agreeing to vacate office before the end of their tenure to facilitate party reforms.
“Our ambition is no more important than the nation. We must be able to hide our personal ambition—either as governors or just seeking the presidency—so we can leave a level playing field that will be attested to by INEC.”
PDP Unfazed by Opposition Coalition – Damagum
Meanwhile, PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, dismissed concerns over the recent formation of an opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He noted that many of the defectors involved have already returned to the PDP or denied ever leaving.
“This political experiment is nothing to lose sleep over. Some people have recently learnt this truth in the most uncomfortable way,” Damagum said.
“Many who jumped on the coalition bandwagon have already returned to our fold. Some even claimed they never left. We accept their confessions without prejudice.”
He added that individuals from other parties initially aligned with the coalition have also retraced their steps, describing the development as a sign of the PDP’s enduring relevance.
“We look forward to the total dismantling of this ill-fated coalition, even as we extend our best wishes to those involved.”
NEC Postpones Elective National Convention to November
The PDP NEC has officially rescheduled its elective national convention, previously slated for August 28–30 in Kano, to November 15–16, 2025. The new venue will be Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Announcing the decision, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said NEC approved the revised timetable and directed the party’s leadership to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in line with the Electoral Act.
NEC also approved the composition of the Convention and Zoning Committees and mandated the NWC to initiate legal action to reclaim the seats of lawmakers elected on the PDP platform who have defected to other parties, in accordance with Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The committee further warned against party members participating in the activities of other political parties, calling for loyalty and discipline.
“NEC expressed serious concern and frowned at the reported participation and involvement of some party members in the activities and gatherings of another political party,” the communiqué stated.
BoT: Convention Outcome Will Shape Political Future
Speaking ahead of the NEC meeting, PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Secretary, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, described the upcoming national convention as critical to the party’s resurgence and national relevance.
“The success of the items scheduled is what will bring most of [our aggrieved members] back. We can even bring new hands into the PDP.”
Makarfi urged members to be measured in their public remarks, adding that the convention is an opportunity to resolve internal grievances and rebuild party unity.
“We know that some people are aggrieved. But we have to pull down whatever our grievances may be. If we work together, the convention should resolve all grievances. It’s an opportunity we must not miss,” he said.
Despite reports of prominent PDP figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and other ex-governors aligning with the ADC led coalition, party leaders remain confident in the PDP’s enduring influence and national structure ahead of 2027.
