- As party’s national convention begins in Abuja with reconciliation messages
By Lateef Ibrahim/Jude Opara, Abuja
Former Governor of Abia State and Chairman, 2026 National Convention Planning Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,
Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has stressed the need to rebuild, rebrand, and reposition the party into a stronger, more cohesive, and forward-looking political force, ready to reclaim its leadership role in the governance of our dear country.
Ikpeazu said this in his speech on Sunday night at the opening of the PDP’s national convention held at the velodrome centre of the National Stadium, Abuja.
He specifically declared that it was imperative for all members of the PDP to close ranks, rebuild trust, and reposition the party as the foremost platform for democratic governance in Nigeria.
The PDP, he maintained, remains Nigeria’s most experienced, most structured, and most nationally rooted political party because of its members’ loyalty and support.
Ikpeazu, while noting that PDP may have lost some elections, stressed however that the party’s credential of being a platform for democratic governance in Nigeria “still resides with us and we need to guard it with even greater zeal as our disposal”.
According to him, “It is because of your faith and steadfastness in this party that we must now resolve: from this convention, we shall rebuild, rebrand, and reposition the PDP into a stronger, more cohesive, and forward-looking political force, ready to reclaim its leadership role in the governance of our dear country”.
He recalled that the last time PDP members assembled in a national convention to elect members of the National Working Committee was in October 2021, at the Eagle Square here in Abuja.
According to him, “Since that moment, our great party has traversed a challenging, and at times turbulent, path.
“The tenure of that National Working Committee witnessed internal leadership strains and institutional tests at the centre.
“These developments ultimately culminated in the decisive intervention of the National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 104th meeting in December 2025, where a National Caretaker Working Committee was constituted in the overriding interest of stability and continuity.
“Today, however, we stand once again at the threshold of history.
We are gathered under the compelling and forward-looking theme of this Convention: Inclusiveness, Unity, and Renewal.
“This theme is not a mere slogan; it is a strategic imperative. It speaks directly to our present reality and defines the pathway to our collective future.
“It calls on us to close ranks, rebuild trust, and reposition our party as the foremost platform for democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Distinguished delegates, stakeholders, and leaders, we are assembled here as one united political family to perform one of the most sacred duties in any democratic process—the election of a new National Working Committee that will steer the affairs of our party over the next four years.
“This moment is not merely procedural; it is profoundly democratic and historically symbolic.
“It represents renewal, rebirth, and a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to the founding ideals of justice, equity, national cohesion, and a people-oriented organization.
“Let me, at this juncture, commend you, loyal members of our great party across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory who are here in this arena.
“Your resilience in adversity, your loyalty in moments of uncertainty, and your unwavering belief in the PDP project have kept this party alive, vibrant, and relevant.
“You are the true custodians of this great institution, and today’s gathering is a testament to your enduring faith.
“To our members and supporters across Nigeria and in the diaspora, who are listening to us from the comfort of their homes, let it be clearly stated: the PDP remains Nigeria’s most experienced, most structured, and most nationally rooted political party because of your loyalty and support.
“We may have lost some elections, but this vital credential still resides with us and we need to guard it with even greater zeal as our disposal.
“It is because of your faith and steadfastness in this party that we must now resolve: from this convention, we shall rebuild, rebrand, and reposition the PDP into a stronger, more cohesive, and forward-looking political force, ready to reclaim its leadership role in the governance of our dear country.
“The duty of genuine reconciliation within our party is not optional; it is fundamental. Your work begins immediately.
‘You must act decisively to heal divisions, rebuild trust, restore discipline, and strengthen internal democracy across all levels of the party structure.
“Let the theme of this Convention: Inclusiveness, Unity, and Renewal, serve not merely as a guiding principle, but as a binding commitment.
“Distinguished delegates, fellow party members, this convention is not merely ceremonial; it is consequential.It is more than a gathering; it is a moment of reckoning.
“A moment that will determine whether the Peoples Democratic Party can rise above its recent challenges and reclaim its rightful position as Nigeria’s leading political platform.
“As we conclude this historic exercise and return to our respective states, let us carry with us not just the resolutions of this convention, but its spirit.
“Let Inclusiveness define our engagements. Let Unity shape our actions. Let Renewal guide our mission.
“Let these not be empty words, but living principles that drive our conduct from the National Working Committee down to the ward level across the federation.
“Together, we shall rebuild.
Together, we shall reconcile.
Together, we shall rise again”, Ikpeazu declared.
The Chairman of the PDP 2026 national convention planning committee commended His Excellency, Nyesom the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike for his supportive roles for the party.
According to Ikpeazu, “At a critical moment in the life of this party, when uncertainty loomed large, he (Wike) demonstrated courage, resolve, and uncommon commitment in ensuring that the PDP did not drift into political oblivion.
“From 2015 to date, he has remained a formidable pillar of strength, investing his time, energy, and resources in sustaining the party as a credible platform of hope for millions of Nigerians.
“Such consistency of purpose, unwavering loyalty, and exemplary leadership have, without doubt, earned him a place of prominence as the national leader of the party”, he said.
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