As the Peoples Democratic Party prepares for its forthcoming national convention slated for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, members of the party’s National Executive Committee have outlined their expectations for the next national chairman.

The leaders emphasized the need for inclusive leadership, internal reconciliation, and renewed commitment to party unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

In an exclusive interview, PDP National Executive Committee members and former national secretary, Ibrahim Tsauri, and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, expressed confidence that the incoming national chairman and, by extension, the National Working Committee, will revitalize the party ahead of the next general election.

At its 102nd National Executive Committee meeting held on August 25 in Abuja, the PDP resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while reserving the position of national chairman for the North.

Subsequently, northern leaders convened over the weekend and further micro-zoned the chairmanship slot to the North-West.

Last week, Northern PDP governors, led by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, alongside other party leaders, endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the North’s consensus candidate for national chairman.

However, some northern stakeholders, reportedly supporting former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and led by the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, voiced their displeasure, claiming they were not consulted before the endorsement.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is also said to be backing his ally and former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, for the position.

Speaking on the expectations for the new NWC, the former national secretary of the party said that with the convention, PDP would usher in a new era of collective leadership.

He stated, “What we are advocating is collective and credible leadership made up of individuals with integrity, capacity, and genuine commitment to the ideals of the PDP.

“We are optimistic that the next national chairman and the NWC will embody these qualities and work selflessly to rebuild, reposition, and restore the party’s credibility ahead of future elections.

“We expect that under the leadership of the next national chairman, discipline will be fully enshrined within the party.

“The new leadership must promote party supremacy, ensure that the constitution of the party is strictly followed in all its activities, and guarantee a level playing field for all members, irrespective of status or affiliation.

“We are confident that such a leadership approach will foster unity, fairness, and renewed confidence among members. Many who left the party will return, while those still within will be further motivated to remain steadfast.”

Tsauri expressed optimism that the PDP would bounce back stronger as the only truly national political party with robust structures across the country.

“As founding members and loyal stakeholders, we remain committed to the vision and values of the PDP,” he said.

Osadolor, on his part, said the next national chairman and members of the NWC should learn from the experiences of past leadership to achieve success.

He stated, “I want the next national chairman to imbibe the spirit of listening, learning, and engaging all sides of the divide within the party.

“Because it is when you truly see, you can hear what everybody has to say and understand how they feel. It’s through engagement that you know what is really happening.

“Therefore, whoever will lead must not come with a personal mission. He or she must see this opportunity as a call to reposition the party for victory, unite all members, provide equal opportunities for everyone, and never seek to undermine anybody.

“The next PDP leaders must preach harmonization and reconciliation and must be ready to sacrifice for the party and for Nigeria at large.” (The PUNCH)