The Chairman Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has declared that neither political defections nor any external force can stop the forthcoming National Convention of the PDP slated to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State between November 15 and 16.

Speaking during the inauguration of the PDP National Convention Publicity and Communication Sub Committee on Saturday in Abuja, the governor reaffirmed the party’s readiness to go ahead with the convention as planned, insisting that the PDP remains united, resilient, and determined to emerge stronger ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following months of internal turmoil, the PDP, during its 101st National Executive Committee meeting held on July 24, resolved to reform and strengthen the party by organising a National Elective Convention in Ibadan, where 19 new members of the National Working Committee are expected to be elected.

However, loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have voiced discontent with the Umar Damagum-led NWC over matters concerning the South-South zonal leadership, as well as party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, including the convention’s micro-zoning arrangement.

The minister’s group warned that the convention could be jeopardised if the party fails to revisit its current stance.

Amid these developments, there are ongoing moves by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the November convention.

Sharing his thoughts on these developments, the Bauchi State Governor urged party leaders to step up efforts to redefine the narrative, stressing that both party members and Nigerians in general have been enduring widespread hardship.

He stated, “We have to really change the narrative. This is a party to be. We have been suffering a lot as a party.

But we have been withering the storm, and we will continue to wither the storm. This convention is here to stay. We are going to Ibadan by the grace of God.

“By the grace of God, no Jupiter will stop us. No dark forces will succeed over us. The dark forces, if they succeed over PDP, they have succeeded over Nigeria.

“We have to change governance. We have to change the style of this country, and this is the beginning. This is the time to do it. We have never suffered as a country as we are suffering today under the APC.

You have seen what is happening. We don’t have to go into deep melancholy and be crying as whipping boys or girls.

“We have to do something within the democratic space to change the leader, to change the nation. I was listening to one song when I came in; it was enumerating some of the achievements of the PDP.

“Since we left office, nobody took over. It was as if there was a vacuum a void in terms of delivery of democratic dividends.”

He appealed to members of the committee to put in dedicated effort toward enlightening and sensitising Nigerians.

Bauchi Governor stated, “We are going to do it by the grace of God. And seeing the human capital here, I know our task is made easy because you can deliver.

“We are confident. Please, be emboldened. Don’t be disturbed by the defections, by the shenanigans, by all those doubting Thomases. Don’t be disturbed.

“Yes, you should be encouraged because staying back to fight is what makes a man or a woman. It’s not an act of cowardice to leave because of one or two people. You are men and women of strength and integrity.” (PUNCH)