Wabara issues directives as BoT takes over PDP leadership

By Steve Oko

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party has assumed national leadership of the party following a Supreme Court judgment that invalidated its recent national conventions and leadership structures.

Former Senate President and the PDP BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, in a statement on Thursday, said the move was necessary to avert a leadership vacuum and stabilise the party after what he described as an “unpleasant judgment” by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The apex court nullified the PDP’s November 15–16, 2025 national convention held in Ibadan, which produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).

It also upheld the suspension of key party officials, including Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Hon. Umar Bature and Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade.

According to Wabara, the judgment effectively renders all actions taken by the affected officials invalid, including the appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman, the formation of a caretaker committee, and the conduct of the March 29, 2026 convention in Abuja.

“The implication is that both the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led and the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led Working Committees stand nullified,” Wabara said.

He explained that the development places the responsibility of running the party on the BoT as the second-highest organ of the PDP, in line with Section 32(5) of the party’s constitution.

“The BoT hereby assumes immediate responsibility for the national leadership of the party as a constitutional remedial measure to restore stability, foster reconciliation and reposition the PDP,” he added.

The BoT announced plans to convene an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to appoint an interim NWC that will oversee the party’s affairs and ensure compliance with the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party staff were also directed to resume duties at the national secretariat under the supervision of the BoT pending the constitution of the interim leadership.

Wabara commended PDP governors, the National Assembly caucus, and other party organs for their resilience amid the crisis, singling out Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde for their roles.

He urged party members to set aside personal interests and embrace reconciliation, warning that prolonged internal strife could further weaken the party.

“The PDP has suffered enough. The time has come for all stakeholders to sheathe their swords and unite for the survival of the party and the benefit of Nigerians,” he said.