Amid internal wrangling which has clipped its wings since 2023 general election, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over the weekend sent a strong message of resilience and political recalibration as the Kabiru Turaki-led national working committee (NWC) formally inaugurated newly elected state, local government area (LGA) and ward executive committees in Lagos State.
The well-attended ceremony, held at the PDP Secretariat on Ajao Road, Ikeja, drew national officials, members of the South West zonal executive committee, party elders, stakeholders and loyalists from across the state.
Impressed by the large turnout of party members across the state, many party chieftain described it as proof that the PDP remains firmly rooted despite internal turbulence and recent defections.
The inauguration marks a significant step in the party’s ongoing restructuring efforts following its November 2025 national convention in Ibadan, which the party leaders have repeatedly described as a “rebirth” moment for Africa’s once-dominant political platform.
PDP cannot be buried
Speaking on behalf of the National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, the National Deputy Organising Secretary, Sunday Solarin, congratulated the newly sworn-in executive members and charged them with the responsibility of rebuilding the party’s grassroots structures.
Solarin described the atmosphere at the event as inspiring, noting that the presence of notable leaders demonstrated that the PDP was far from extinct.
“Let us not be perturbed by whatever turbulence we may be seeing in the party,” he said. “At the end of the tunnel, there will be light by the grace of God.”
He dismissed narratives suggesting that the party was in decline.
“It will be practically impossible for anyone to crumble PDP; it is not possible. PDP is a big party in this country and it will not be possible for any group of people to bury it alive,” Solarin declared amid loud applause.
He accused unnamed political actors of attempting to undermine the party’s fortunes through alliances with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“PDP will continue to stand firm. It will continue to wax stronger no matter the antics of some leaders who have chosen to connive with the ruling party to undermine its fortune,” he said.
Solarin lamented that some of those allegedly destabilising the party were individuals who had once benefitted immensely from its platform.
“Those who benefitted the most from PDP are the ones waging war against the party that made them who they are. But God will not allow them,” he added.
He urged members to remain loyal and focused, expressing confidence that the party’s fortune remains very bright.
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A rebirth since Ibadan convention
Adding weight to the event was Olabode George, former PDP deputy national chairman and widely regarded as the party’s apex leader in Lagos State.
George declared that the party’s internal congresses, ward meetings and national convention had been conducted successfully, laying a renewed foundation for revival.
“What we have in our party today, since our Ibadan national convention in November 2025, is a rebirth a new hope, a restoration of the confidence Nigerians had in PDP when it was founded in 1998,” George said.
He reminded members of the sacrifices made by founding figures nearly three decades ago.
“Some of us did the leg work when the foundation was laid about 28 years ago. That is why we have resolved that we will never, I repeat, never allow anti-democracy elements today to destroy our party,” he stated firmly.
George described the newly inaugurated Lagos State executives, led by Amos Fawole, as men and women of integrity deserving full support from stakeholders.
“We are going to support them. They have the character and commitment required at this crucial time,” he said.
Defections and defiance
Addressing recent defections of PDP governors and lawmakers to the APC, George alleged that coercion and political pressure were behind some of the movements.
“Our governors and lawmakers are being forced and threatened to defect,” he claimed.
“But we are not bothered because PDP is the only true national party in the country today. APC is just a coalition of strange bedfellows.”
He projected confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Voters are waiting to re-elect PDP in 2027,” he declared.
According to George, the Turaki-led NWC has committed itself to justice, fairness and internal democracy in preparation for the next electoral cycle.
“PDP stands for what is just, fair and equitable. And that is what the Kabiru Turaki-led NWC has vowed to do in the build-up to the next general elections,” he said.
Warning to INEC
In one of the more pointed remarks of the event, George cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against alleged interference in party affairs or electoral malpractice. He stated that Nigerians were watching and would not allow the commission to manipulate the 2027 polls in anyone’s favour.
“INEC should be careful. In PDP, INEC cannot choose our leaders for us. Opposition parties will resist this irresponsible behaviour from the umpire,” he warned.
He urged party faithful not to panic over current challenges.
“The challenge PDP is facing today is temporary. Nigerians are waiting for us in 2027. Remain in the party and work for its progress,” he appealed.
George framed the PDP as a truly national political platform spanning all geopolitical zones.
“From the North to South, East to West, PDP remains a strong political platform offering great opportunities for members and Nigerians,” he said.
“There is no coalition in today’s Nigeria that can be stronger than PDP. Ours is a reborn political party that has weathered every storm and can never go under.”
In a metaphor that resonated strongly with supporters, George described the PDP as an “Iroko political party,” symbolizing resilience and deep roots.
“Those defecting must return to this Iroko political party,” he stressed.
A commitment to Lagos – Fawole
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated executives, Lagos State PDP Chairman, Amos Fawole pledged purposeful and goal-driven leadership.
“Our task is clear: it is to build and strengthen the party structure to rescue Lagos State and Nigeria,” Fawole said.
He commended the sacrifices of the outgoing executive led by Phillip Aivoji and promised continuity with renewed vigor.
“With collective efforts, this state is winnable for PDP,” he asserted.
Fawole emphasized unity, discipline and grassroots mobilization as the pillars of the new administration’s strategy.
“We are committed to the ideals and values of our party without deviation. Lagos PDP will be strengthened,” he added.
The oath of office and allegiance was administered by Ayodele Olaniyi, a lawyer, formally empowering the new executives to assume their responsibilities.
Voices of encouragement
Other party stalwarts, including former Lagos State Deputy Governor Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele and a former member of the PDP Board of Trustees, urged members to remain steadfast.
“PDP is not dead,” they declared, reinforcing the theme of revival that dominated the gathering.
South West PDP chairmen, including Dupe Aisida of Ondo and Tunji Odeyemi of Ekiti, were also present, underscoring regional solidarity.
Road to 2027
Political analysts say the Lagos inauguration forms part of a broader national recalibration strategy as the PDP seeks to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 elections.
The analysts note that while the party faces internal disagreements and external pressure, its enduring grassroots networks and historical national reach remain assets.
Many party members say the large turnout at the ceremony was more than a routine administrative exercise, but rather a political statement
that the insinuations that the party was dead and buried is not true.
Bode George, urged the party faithful to be calm, saying, “PDP is coming back to take over its place as the ruling party in the country.
“I want to assure Nigerians that come 2027, PDP will take Nigeria to its rightful place in the comity of nations.”
Speaking to BusinessDay, a chieftain of the party in Kosofe, Laja Michael said the PDP cannot be buried by anyone, pointing out that efforts to derail the party ahead 2027 had failed.
According to him, this is a party that once governed Nigeria for 16 consecutive years, the Lagos inauguration signals both defiance and determination.
“For me, it is a declaration that despite storms and shifting allegiances from our people, the PDP still remains intact; we may not be like we were before, but we are not dead.”
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