By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Peoples Democratic Party has begun compiling its list of delegates ahead of its much-anticipated national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a meeting of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee Protocol Subcommittee.
Fintiri, who chairs the main convention committee, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency and a level playing field for all aspirants, stressing that the exercise would be conducted in the spirit of internal democracy.
“I want to reassure you that, on our side, we are fully committed and will not leave any stone unturned. We are putting in our best and making sacrifices to ensure a successful convention and battle,” Fintiri said.
He spoke passionately about his long-standing loyalty to the PDP, describing the party as an institution that had shaped his political and personal life.
“The chairman (Mutfwang) said I will be in Ibadan for one week; I may be there for three weeks. Apart from Islam, PDP is the next association that has given me everything I have achieved in life.
I will forever remain grateful to this party,” he said.
“Not under our leadership, not during our time, will we let this party down. As you can see from the commitment of members, everyone is determined. I assure you that the calibre of men and women we will produce as leaders to handle this party in the next National Working Committee will be people of worth. When we parade them, the country will know that the PDP is still alive.”
The governor emphasised that the convention process would be open and inclusive, adding that all aspirants who met the party’s criteria would be allowed to contest freely.
“We are not going to deny anybody the chance to contest. I will personally ensure that the screening process is transparent. Everybody who has purchased forms will be screened as long as there are no encumbrances in their documents or past records. Go and test your popularity in the field because we are already finalising the names of the delegates,” he said.
Fintiri noted that the delegates’ list would be released in the same transparent manner the subcommittee names were made public.
“You can still move around and canvass for votes. It’s not a closed system; it’s open. So, there’s nothing to worry about—it’s true democracy. If you feel you are popular, go to the field and test your strength. In the end, those supported by the majority will emerge victorious,” he said.
He added that the renewed enthusiasm among party members reflected growing confidence in the PDP’s revival efforts.
“Even when we had our inaugural meeting, it wasn’t as full as this. It shows that life is returning to the party. People are beginning to trust and show commitment to what we are doing. At the end of the day, we will provide the kind of responsible leadership required to steer this party forward,” Fintiri said.
Describing the PDP as “the biggest and largest party in sub-Saharan Africa,” he urged members to make sacrifices to ensure the success of the convention.
“Please, make sacrifices and don’t mind any noise you hear. We will be victorious at the end,” he concluded.
Also speaking, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who chairs the Protocol Subcommittee for the convention, said the level of mobilisation and commitment ahead of the Ibadan gathering reflected the PDP’s resilience and readiness to reclaim its position as Nigeria’s foremost opposition platform.
“Today’s meeting demonstrates that the PDP is very much alive and that we are taking the convention seriously,” Mutfwang said. “Those who founded this party will not wish to see it die in our time. We therefore have a duty to keep the platform alive for the people of Nigeria.”
He emphasised the importance of his subcommittee’s work in ensuring a seamless and well-coordinated convention.
“If you see any well-organised meeting, it’s because protocol was well handled. Our job is not in Abuja; it’s in Ibadan. We must be on the ground before the delegates arrive,” he said.
The Punch