As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gears up for its national convention in November in Ibadan, Oyo State, key members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) have outlined the priorities and expectations for the party’s next National Chairman.
Party leaders emphasized the urgent need for inclusive leadership, genuine reconciliation, and renewed unity as the opposition prepares to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an interview with The PUNCH, former National Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Tsauri, and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, expressed optimism that the next National Working Committee (NWC) would rebuild the party’s credibility and restore public confidence.
Tsauri described the forthcoming convention as a pivotal moment for the PDP, saying it would usher in “a new era of collective and credible leadership.”
“What we are advocating is a leadership composed of people with integrity, competence, and a genuine commitment to the PDP’s founding ideals,” Tsauri said.
“We believe the next National Chairman and the NWC will work selflessly to rebuild and reposition the party ahead of 2027.”
PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket to the South
Gossip News Now reports that during its 102nd NEC meeting held on August 25, 2025, in Abuja, the PDP resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while reserving the National Chairmanship for the North.
Following this resolution, northern leaders met over the weekend and micro-zoned the chairmanship position to the North-West region.
Last week, Northern PDP governors, led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, alongside other senior party figures, endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the North’s consensus candidate for the top position.
However, the move has stirred internal tension. Some northern stakeholders, reportedly backing former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming they were not consulted before Turaki’s endorsement.
PDP Chairmanship Race: Wike Backs Ortom as Party Leaders Demand Discipline and Unity
Reports indicate that a faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, has rejected the endorsement of Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as the North’s consensus candidate for National Chairman.
Meanwhile, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike is reportedly throwing his weight behind his ally, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, for the same position — a move that insiders believe could further test the party’s fragile internal balance ahead of the November convention.
Speaking on the development, former National Secretary Ibrahim Tsauri reiterated that the incoming PDP leadership must prioritize discipline, fairness, and strict adherence to the party’s constitution.
“We expect that under the leadership of the next national chairman, discipline will be fully enshrined within the party,” Tsauri said in an interview with The PUNCH.
“The new leadership must uphold party supremacy, ensure that the constitution is followed to the letter, and guarantee a level playing field for all members, regardless of their status or faction.”
Tsauri emphasized that such an approach would help restore trust, foster unity, and attract defectors back to the PDP.
“We are confident that a disciplined and fair leadership will strengthen the party’s internal cohesion. Many who left will return, while those who stayed will find renewed motivation to remain steadfast,” he added.
Reaffirming confidence in the PDP’s nationwide structure, Tsauri described the party as “the only truly national political party” with deep roots across all states of the federation.
“As founding members and loyal stakeholders, we remain committed to the vision and values that built the PDP,” he concluded.
PDP Chairmanship: Osadolor Urges Next Leader to Embrace Dialogue, Unity, and Selflessness
Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor, has called on the party’s incoming National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) to adopt a leadership style anchored on inclusiveness, listening, and genuine reconciliation.
Speaking in an interview, Osadolor stressed that the next PDP leader must learn from past mistakes and make dialogue and internal engagement a central part of party management.
“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.
“When you truly listen, you understand how people feel and what they are going through. It’s through engagement that you grasp what’s really happening on the ground.”
He cautioned against turning the national chairmanship into a vehicle for personal ambition or factional interests, noting that genuine leadership requires humility and a focus on service.
“Whoever will lead must not come with a personal mission,” Osadolor warned.
“This opportunity should be seen as a call to reposition the party for victory — to unite members, ensure fairness, and avoid undermining anyone.”
Osadolor further emphasized the importance of harmonisation, reconciliation, and sacrifice as tools to strengthen the PDP’s internal cohesion and prepare it for the 2027 elections.
“The next PDP leaders must preach harmonisation and reconciliation. They must be ready to make sacrifices — not just for the party, but for Nigeria at large,” he said.
With less than a month to the national convention in Ibadan, Gossip News Now reports that political manoeuvring within the PDP has intensified, particularly over the zoned national chairmanship seat.
While the zoning arrangement appears settled, analysts believe the contest remains a major test of unity within the party’s northern bloc and its overall national stability.
