The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the postponement of the screening exercise for aspirants ahead of its 2025 Elective National Convention, originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
In a statement released on Monday by the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, the party attributed the decision to “unforeseen circumstances.”
Fintiri assured members and aspirants that the committee remains committed to ensuring a transparent and credible convention process, while a new date for the screening would be communicated in due course.
“A new date will be communicated once fixed. The NCOC regrets any inconvenience caused by the postponement. All aspirants and members of our party should note the foregoing and be guided accordingly,” the statement read in part.
The 2025 Elective National Convention is expected to hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Ahead of the event, the PDP had earlier inaugurated a 13-member National Convention Screening Committee chaired by Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Ondo State governorship candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN. The committee was tasked with vetting aspirants for various national offices within the party.
The postponement comes shortly after former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, formally declared his intention to contest for the office of National Chairman—a move that has reportedly intensified internal wrangling within the party.
Recent developments within the PDP indicate widening divisions, particularly following reports that some northern leaders had endorsed former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as a consensus candidate for the chairmanship position. However, factions loyal to Lamido and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, have rejected the endorsement, citing inadequate consultation and lack of transparency in the selection process.
The disagreement underscores the growing tension in the PDP as it prepares for a convention many see as pivotal to redefining the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party has in recent months experienced notable resignations and defections, raising concerns among stakeholders about its internal cohesion and readiness to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite the setback, Fintiri emphasized that the NCOC remains focused on delivering a convention that will strengthen the PDP’s democratic structures and reposition it as a formidable opposition party.
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