PDP Suspends Screening of Aspirants Ahead of 2025 National Convention Amid Rising Internal Tensions

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the postponement of the screening exercise for aspirants vying for positions at its forthcoming 2025 Elective National Convention, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

In an official statement issued on Monday by the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, the party attributed the delay to “unforeseen circumstances.”

Fintiri assured party members and aspirants that the committee would communicate a new date soon, expressing regret for any disruption caused by the sudden change.

“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.

The NCOC chairman further reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to ensuring that the upcoming national convention would be conducted in a transparent, credible, and seamless manner.

The PDP’s 2025 Elective National Convention is expected to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.

However, the screening delay comes at a time when the opposition party is grappling with mounting internal friction over the choice of candidates for key national offices.

Just three days earlier, on October 25, 2025, the party had unveiled a 13-member National Convention Screening Committee chaired by former Ondo State governorship candidate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN. The committee was tasked with vetting aspirants seeking various national positions ahead of the convention and was originally set to commence its work on October 28.

The postponement was announced shortly after former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, declared his intention to contest for the position of PDP National Chairman, a move that has reportedly altered the internal dynamics of the party’s leadership race.

Sources within the party suggest that the delay might not be unconnected to the ongoing tussle between various blocs within the PDP.

Earlier reports indicated that northern PDP leaders had endorsed former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as their consensus candidate for the chairmanship seat. However, the endorsement was met with stiff opposition from several factions, including those loyal to Lamido and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who accused party elders of failing to carry stakeholders along in the decision-making process.

The unfolding drama underscores the widening cracks within the PDP as it prepares for its highly anticipated 2025 national convention, a crucial event expected to redefine the future of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Observers note that recent internal disputes, coupled with notable resignations and realignments among its members, have further deepened the uncertainty surrounding the party’s direction. The coming weeks will therefore be decisive, as the PDP leadership seeks to restore unity, stabilize its structure, and project a strong opposition force capable of challenging the ruling party at the national level.