PDP Draws Battle Line Against Tenure Elongation, Warns Excos to Dump Third-Term Agenda Ahead of Congresses

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved to stamp out any form of tenure elongation within its ranks as it prepares for fresh congresses nationwide, directing serving ward and local government executives to forget about a third term in office.

In a directive issued by the party’s National Secretariat and circulated through the Oyo State chapter on Friday, September 5, the PDP declared that no officer is permitted to exceed two consecutive terms, citing strict adherence to its constitution and its renewed commitment to internal democracy.

The guidelines, which cover nomination procedures, eligibility requirements, and timelines, mandate that ward and local government congresses will be conducted simultaneously across all PDP-controlled states.

“All ward and local government executive members who have completed their two terms are strongly advised to respect the party’s constitution and avoid attempts to perpetuate themselves in office. The party will not hesitate to sanction violators,” the statement read.

By drawing the red line, the PDP appears determined to forestall crises, factionalism, and imposition of candidates—issues that have in the past fractured its state structures and weakened its electoral fortunes.

The party further charged governors, lawmakers, and other elected officials on its platform to steer clear of grassroots congresses, warning that undue interference could undermine unity and sabotage preparations for the 2027 general elections.

With this directive, observers note that the PDP is not just setting the stage for a credible congress but also positioning itself as a party ready to confront internal contradictions that often derail opposition politics in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the PDP assured that monitoring mechanisms have been activated to enforce compliance with the new rules, stressing that disciplinary measures await any violators.