The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scheduled to meet later this week, is expected to receive the report of its committee on zoning and the national convention.

At the party’s 100th NEC meeting held on June 30, members resolved to reconvene between July 23 and 25.

Speaking at an interactive session with journalists at the party’s national secretariat on Monday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said preparations were in top gear for the crucial meeting.

“The NEC meeting, scheduled for July 23 to 25, will receive updates from the Zoning and National Convention committees, particularly on preparations, composition of members across the country, and related organisational matters.

“The NEC will also ratify completed congresses in several states and local governments. These processes have already been reviewed by the National Working Committee (NWC), and will be formally presented for ratification, in line with standard procedure.

“One thing is clear: the PDP remains very strong. We’ve begun the process of recalibrating, fostering unity, and mobilising grassroots support. Our strength lies in the people across Nigeria. We’re focused, united, and working towards a successful national convention,” he said.

The PDP also slammed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the prevailing hardship in the country, describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—or any candidate the APC may present in 2027—as a “bad market.”

Ologunagba said the PDP has the spread, membership, and capacity to unseat the APC in 2027 and called on Nigerians to rally behind the party to restore the nation’s glory.

He argued that due to the economic and security crises bedevilling the country, no patriotic Nigerian would vote for the APC or any of its candidates.

“The PDP is the only party that can unseat the APC. We have the support, the base, and a national spread. There is no community without PDP members, because it is truly the people’s party. Nigerians are eager for the PDP’s return,” he said.

He dismissed recent defections as inconsequential, insisting that those leaving were only leaders and that the core membership remained intact because ordinary Nigerians were disillusioned by the current administration.

“What matters is that the people are still with us. That’s what makes a political party viable,” he said. (Daily Trust)