Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from across Southern Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to repositioning the party as a strong and united platform capable of challenging for power in the 2027 general elections.
This resolve was the major outcome of the PDP Southern Consultative Summit held in Lagos on Thursday, where governors, members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), serving and former lawmakers, and ex-governors gathered to chart a common course ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2025.
The summit, which drew representatives from 12 out of 17 southern states, focused on fostering inclusiveness, rebuilding internal structures, and preparing the party to serve as a credible alternative to Nigerians.
Speaking at the gathering, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, insisted that contrary to claims from some quarters, the PDP remains alive and capable of regaining its lost glory.
He said the outcome of the recent by-elections across 12 states, where the party either won or came second, was proof that the PDP still commands the trust of Nigerians.
“Those who say PDP is dead will have to rethink when they see the calibre of leaders gathered here today. We are rebuilding, we are reaching out, and Nigerians will see a PDP that is strong, united and ready to offer real leadership,” Makinde said.
He emphasized that the discussions were less about presidential ambitions and more about strengthening the party machinery to ensure inclusivity and unity across tendencies.
The summit discussed zoning and micro-zoning of party offices but deferred final decisions to the NEC.
According to the leaders, the priority is to sustain a party structure that all members can identify with.
“Democracy is inclusiveness. What we are doing here is consultation, engaging stakeholders and making sure no one is left behind,” Governor Makinde explained, adding that personal differences would not derail the collective project of rebuilding PDP.
The meeting had in attendance heavyweights such as PDP BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; Chairman of the National Zoning Committee and Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri; Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; and Enugu State governor, Peter Mba, represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai.
Also present were former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom); as well as PDP stalwart Chief Bode George, lawmakers, and BoT members.
Their collective presence, leaders noted, reinforced the seriousness with which the southern bloc is approaching party cohesion and its readiness to contribute to PDP’s resurgence nationally.
With the NEC meeting days away, PDP leaders assured that far-reaching decisions on zoning and other matters will soon be unveiled.
Until then, consultations and reconciliatory moves across factions have continued to intensify.
“What we are offering Nigerians is a virile, united PDP they can be proud of,” Makinde stressed. “The journey to 2027 is not about individuals, but about giving Nigerians hope again.”