Chairman of the 2025 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a transparent and inclusive convention, declaring that all qualified aspirants are free to contest and “test their popularity.”
Speaking in Abuja at the inaugural meeting of the Protocol Sub-committee, chaired by Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Fintiri emphasized that the upcoming elective convention will not exclude any eligible aspirant.
> “We are not going to deny anybody going into the election,” Fintiri stated. “Everybody that has purchased forms for screening — once he does not have any encumbrances in his documents or in his past lifestyle — will be screened.”
He further assured that the screening process will be fair and closely monitored to ensure integrity.
> “I am going to also ensure, with my advice, that we sit even in the screening committee to see that they don’t do any hanky-panky,” he added.
Fintiri encouraged all aspirants to take their campaigns to the field and directly engage with delegates, noting that the delegate list will be made public in the interest of transparency.
> “Go and test your popularity because we are already finalising the names of the delegates… It’s not as if we are running a closed system — it’s open. It’s a true democracy.”
He expressed confidence that the most credible and widely accepted candidates would emerge victorious.
Reiterating his commitment to the PDP, Fintiri remarked:
> “Apart from Islam, PDP is next to any association that I believe has given me everything that I have achieved in life. So I will forever remain grateful to this party.”
Governor Mutfwang, chairing the Protocol Sub-committee, echoed similar sentiments, calling for dedication from committee members.
> “Those who started the PDP will not want or wish that it should die in our time. We, therefore, have a responsibility to make sure that we keep the platform alive for the people of Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Sub-committee, Senator Olalere Oyewunmi, described the session as productive, highlighting the importance of the protocol team’s role in ensuring a smooth and successful convention.
> “PDP is known for progress, painstaking arrangement and very superb political arrangement,” Oyewunmi noted. “And the Ibadan that we have chosen is known for political activities in Nigeria.”
Secretary of the sub-committee and Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, also assured that Ibadan is fully prepared to host the event.
> “Oyo State is ready to receive the deluge of notables and citizens from all the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT,” she said, describing the convention as a “historic” moment for the party.
As the PDP gears up for its 2025 convention, party leaders appear united in their call for openness, inclusivity, and a renewed commitment to democratic values.
NAN
