The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party deepened on Thursday as the party’s Board of Trustees, led by former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, formally assumed control of its national leadership following a damning Supreme Court judgment that nullified its last national convention.
The apex court, in a split 3-2 decision, invalidated the PDP convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025, which produced the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee backed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Wabara said the BoT’s takeover was in line with Section 32(5) of the party’s constitution, aimed at preventing a leadership vacuum and stabilising the opposition party.
He disclosed that the board would immediately convene an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee to constitute an interim caretaker committee to run the affairs of the party.
“The Board of Trustees hereby assumes leadership of the PDP as a constitutional remedial step to restore order, ensure continuity, and reposition the party,” the statement read.
The Supreme Court had ruled that the Ibadan convention was conducted in violation of subsisting court orders, faulting the party for proceeding with the exercise despite clear judicial restraints.
The court also upheld the suspension of key party officials, including former National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.
According to the BoT, the implication of the judgment is far-reaching, rendering invalid all decisions taken by the affected officials, including the emergence of an acting national chairman and the constitution of a caretaker committee by a rival faction.
The leadership tussle has polarised the party, with a faction reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, laying claim to victory, while the Makinde-aligned camp insisted the judgment had effectively left the PDP without a recognised leadership structure.
The Turaki-led faction warned that the development could push the party into deeper turmoil if not carefully managed.
“This places the party at a dangerous crossroads capable of undermining not only its stability but also Nigeria’s multi-party democracy,” the group said.
However, the BoT maintained that its intervention was necessary to “salvage, stabilise and return the party to good political health.”
It also directed all staff to resume duties at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, under its supervision pending the constitution of an interim leadership.
Wabara further appealed to party leaders to set aside personal interests and embrace reconciliation in the interest of unity and electoral viability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The PDP has suffered enough. The time has come for sacrifices, genuine reconciliation, and a new direction for the party,” he added.
The board also commended key stakeholders, including Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, Makinde, and other party organs, for their resilience amid the protracted leadership crisis.
The latest development marks a critical turning point for the PDP as it battles internal divisions and legal setbacks in its bid to reposition itself as a formidable opposition ahead of the next general elections.
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment