The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed that its internal conflicts will not impede the successful conduct of its national convention, scheduled for November 15-16, 2025. This assurance was given by the party's national publicity secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, who simultaneously issued a stern warning to members against actions detrimental to the party's unity and operations. Ologunagba underscored that the PDP Constitution prohibits dual membership and any activities that could undermine the party's internal cohesion.

These statements emerge amidst a fresh dispute regarding the leadership control within the party's Akwa Ibom State chapter. The controversy began with Ologunagba's announcement of the dissolution of the State Working Committee (SWC) and the subsequent appointment of a caretaker team led by Igwat Umoren. However, this decision was swiftly countered by the party’s national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who, in a letter to the incumbent state chairman, Aniekan Akpan, declared the dissolution null and void. Akpan himself has also rejected the announced dissolution.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Ologunagba defended the party's position, asserting that what some perceive as conflict is, in fact, "democracy in action." He clarified the distinct roles within the party's leadership, stating, "The national chairman provides overall leadership and can summon meetings, while the national secretary carries out administrative duties. The secretary cannot unilaterally call meetings or release statements without approval." To substantiate his claims, Ologunagba referenced Section 35 of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), which delineates the national chairman's functions. He assured both party members and the Nigerian public that preparations for the convention are well underway and on track, involving leaders and chapters nationwide. "There is no threat to the process. Nigerians can rest assured that on 15–16 November 2025, the convention will take place as scheduled," he reiterated.

Regarding the Akwa Ibom crisis, the PDP spokesman firmly stated that the party's initial decisions stand. He cautioned members against propagating alternative narratives, emphasizing that the meeting which led to the party’s position was properly convened, with verifiable records and video evidence. "Anyone claiming otherwise is misleading the public," Ologunagba added.

Shifting focus, Ologunagba also commented on President Bola Tinubu's Independence Day address, labeling it "uninspiring and disappointing." He criticized the APC-led government, accusing it of exacerbating the national economy and plunging Nigeria into an unsustainable debt burden. Ologunagba contrasted the current economic situation with past PDP administrations, which he claimed cleared debts and maintained low unemployment rates. Furthermore, he condemned the president's failure to secure the nation, citing the recent killing of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a lawyer and journalist in Abuja, as evidence.

Ologunagba challenged the President's claims of economic improvement, posing critical questions: "He claimed that the economy is performing well, but Nigerians are asking: which corner has the economy really turned? Is it the corner of insecurity, where violence has crippled farming and production? The corner of rising costs, where parents cannot pay school fees? Or the corner where families live in fear of kidnappers and bandits?" These questions underscored the PDP's stance on the prevailing economic hardships and security challenges faced by Nigerians under the current administration.