By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA—The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is heading into its crucial National Convention next month under the weight of heightened national expectation, according to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
Addressing newsmen on the preparations for the elective convention, scheduled to hold from November 15 to November 16, Ologunagba asserted that the level of national interest demonstrates Nigerians’ continued faith in the main opposition party as the key to sustaining the nation’s democracy.
“Nigerians are eager to know what the PDP is doing to put itself together as a party, because they see the party’s vibrancy as the only way to guarantee the sustenance of democracy in the country,” Ologunagba stated.
Recalling PDP’s ‘Glorious Era’
The National Publicity Secretary used the briefing to underscore what he termed the PDP’s achievements during its 16-year rule, contrasting it with the present economic climate.
“We had 16 years of unbroken governance by the PDP,” he said. “Nigerians believe that this was the glorious era in development and hope in this country.”
Ologunagba highlighted several economic indicators, including:
- The payment of national debts.
- Sustained double-digit GDP growth.
- Contained inflation.
- An economy that was valued at over $600 billion by the time the party left government in 2015.
- Nigeria being the “number one destination for foreign capital investment.”
He stressed that the forthcoming convention is “critical to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria,” validating the enthusiasm shown by Nigerians across the board.
Convention Logistics and Internal Cohesion
Ologunagba, who is also the Secretary of the National Convention Publicity Sub-committee, confirmed that party members are already engaged with the 15 broad-based sub-committees established to ensure the convention is inclusive and successful.
When questioned about ongoing speculations regarding the potential defection of one of the PDP governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the spokesperson remained defiant. He maintained that the PDP is “more than an individual” and that such a move would not affect the convention’s outcome.
Furthermore, Ologunagba confirmed the successful conclusion of the party’s Congress in Edo State, stating that it was held on September 27 by a properly constituted committee, with an appeal panel already in place to address any grievances. He dismissed any contrary claims of a parallel congress as mere “public show to justify the mastermind of those behind the illegality.”