PDP Postpones Screening Of Aspirants Ahead Of 2025 National Convention Amid Growing Internal Rifts

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the postponement of its scheduled screening for aspirants ahead of the 2025 Elective National Convention, originally slated for Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, the exercise was suspended due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

Fintiri noted that a new date for the screening would be communicated to all aspirants and party members in due course, adding that the committee deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by the postponement.

“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 in part.

He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring a credible, transparent, and hitch-free convention, which is set to take place between November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the PDP named a 13-member National Convention Screening Committee, chaired by legal luminary and former Ondo State governorship candidate Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, to vet aspirants vying for national offices ahead of the convention.

However, the postponement came just hours after former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, publicly declared his intention to contest for the position of National Chairman a move that has further stirred internal power struggles within the opposition party.

Lamido’s declaration followed reports that northern PDP stakeholders had endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as their consensus candidate for the chairmanship seat.

The endorsement, however, has been met with strong resistance from factions aligned with Lamido and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, who argue that the process lacked broad consultation and legitimacy.

Party insiders say the divisions have deepened in recent weeks, with several key members resigning and others threatening to defect if the leadership crisis persists.

Political observers note that the latest postponement may be an attempt by the party leadership to ease rising tensions and allow more room for internal reconciliation before the convention.

Despite the turbulence, Fintiri maintained that the party remained focused on organising a convention that would “redefine the PDP’s unity and direction ahead of 2027.”