As preparations heighten for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention billed for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) have outlined their expectations for the next national chairman, emphasising integrity, inclusiveness, and discipline.
Former National Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Tsauri, and the Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, made these remarks while speaking on the direction the party must take ahead of the 2027 general election.
Tsauri described the forthcoming convention as a turning point, saying it would usher in “a new era of collective and credible leadership” for the opposition party.
According to him, the PDP must now prioritise unity and credibility in its leadership choices. “What we are advocating is collective and credible leadership made up of individuals with integrity, capacity, and genuine commitment to the ideals of the PDP,” he said.
He added that the incoming leadership must “rebuild, reposition, and restore the party’s credibility ahead of future elections.”
The PDP had during its 102nd NEC meeting held in August zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while the chairmanship slot was reserved for the North. Over the weekend, northern leaders further micro-zoned the chairmanship to the North-West, with former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), emerging as the region’s consensus candidate.
However, the endorsement has not gone uncontested. Some stakeholders, reportedly led by the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, and loyalists of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, have kicked against Turaki’s selection, claiming they were not carried along.
Amidst the brewing tension, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, is said to be backing his ally, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, for the position — a move that could further test the PDP’s internal unity.
Tsauri stressed that whoever emerges must restore discipline and uphold the supremacy of the party’s constitution. “We expect that under the leadership of the next national chairman, discipline will be fully enshrined within the party. The new leadership must promote party supremacy, ensure that the constitution of the party is strictly followed in all its activities, and guarantee a level playing field for all members, irrespective of status or affiliation,” he said.
He further expressed optimism that such leadership would rebuild trust among members and encourage defectors to return. “We are confident that such leadership will foster unity, fairness, and renewed confidence among members. Many who left will return, while those still within will be further motivated to remain steadfast,” Tsauri noted.
He also reaffirmed his faith in the PDP’s national reach, describing it as “the only truly national political party with deep structures across all states.”
On his part, Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, urged the next national chairman to embrace inclusiveness and humility. “I want the next national chairman to imbibe the spirit of listening, learning, and engaging all sides of the divide within the party,” he said.
He warned against turning the office into a platform for personal ambition. “Whoever will lead must not come with a personal mission. He or she must see this opportunity as a call to reposition the party for victory, unite all members, provide equal opportunities for everyone, and never seek to undermine anybody,” Osadolor stated.
He added that the incoming leadership must focus on reconciliation and sacrifice. “The next PDP leaders must preach harmonisation and reconciliation and must be ready to sacrifice for the party and for Nigeria at large,” he said.
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