Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced a 13-member screening committee as part of preparations for its national elective convention scheduled to hold on November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The event will take place at the Adamasingba Stadium.
Gatekeepers News reports that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, who chairs National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), made the announcement on Saturday.
Former Ondo State governorship candidate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), was named chairman of the screening committee, while Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa will serve as deputy chairman. Asue Ighodalo was appointed secretary, with Jacob Otorkpa as deputy secretary.
Other members of the committee include former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Achike Udenwa (Imo), alongside Josephine Anenih, Mariam Chiroma, Felix Hassan Hyat, Emmanuel Enoidem, Aduke Maina, and Zainab Maina.
The committee is expected to commence the screening of aspirants on Tuesday. The upcoming convention comes amid internal wrangling within the PDP and a pending lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of the exercise.
The suit, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, alleges the exclusion of key stakeholders and inadequate consultation in the buildup to the convention. A ruling is expected on October 31, barely two weeks before the scheduled event.
Tensions within the party have also been fueled by recent defections and regional disputes. Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Peter Mbah of Enugu have reportedly exited the PDP, with Mbah formally joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Several of Diri’s political allies have also crossed over to the ruling party, heightening uncertainty about his future in the PDP.
In the North, divisions persist over the reported endorsement of Tanimu Turaki, former Minister of Special Duties, as the region’s consensus candidate for the national chairmanship position.
The move has been rejected by a faction loyal to Umar Bature, outgoing National Organising Secretary, who claims the endorsement process lacked inclusiveness.
Despite the growing discontent, Debo Ologunagba, PDP National Publicity Secretary, insisted the party remains open and democratic..
