Political Shakeup as Ajadi Joins PDP Gathering
The ancient city of Ibadan witnessed a significant political development on Saturday, November 15, 2025, as Olufemi Ajadi, the former governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) in Ogun State, made a dramatic appearance at the Peoples Democratic Party's National Convention. The event, held at the expansive Lekan Salami Stadium, attracted thousands of party delegates from across Nigeria's 36 states, creating an atmosphere charged with political anticipation.
Massive Turnout Signals PDP's Revival
Delegates began arriving in Ibadan as early as Friday, November 14, with northern delegates particularly visible as they boarded coaster buses from various hotels to the stadium venue. Southwest delegates from Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and host state Oyo also participated in large numbers, demonstrating what party officials described as a renewed commitment to strengthening the PDP's presence in the region.
Security was tight around the stadium perimeter, with personnel from the police, civil defence, DSS, and Oyo State's Amotekun Corps maintaining strategic positions. Traffic officials worked diligently to manage the heavy vehicular movement along Ring Road and adjacent routes, ensuring smooth access for the political gathering.
Ajadi's Defection and Political Implications
Olufemi Ajadi, known throughout Southwest Nigeria as a vocal grassroots mobilizer and advocate for good governance, arrived at the convention venue early Saturday morning to a warm reception. In conversations with journalists, the businessman expressed confidence that this convention marks the PDP's complete return to national significance after what he characterized as years of internal challenges and reorganization.
Ajadi emphasized that the gathering presents the party with a fresh opportunity for reconciliation and strategic repositioning ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections. His presence at the convention, following his defection from the NNPP where he contested the Ogun State governorship in 2023, signals potential realignments in Southwest politics.
The two-day convention, scheduled to run from November 15 to 16, is expected to produce new members of the National Working Committee (NWC), assess internal party reforms, and unveil a comprehensive roadmap toward the 2027 elections. PDP governors, senators, House of Representatives members, former national officers, and other prominent leaders are participating in key sessions and deliberations that could shape the party's future trajectory.
