The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), chaired by Adolphus Wabara, has given its approval for the establishment of a 13-member interim National Working Committee (NWC). This decision comes in response to what the BoT describes as a leadership vacuum within the party, triggered by a recent Supreme Court judgment that nullified the Ibadan convention.
Background of the Leadership Crisis
The Supreme Court ruling dismissed an appeal filed by the Turaki-led NWC that emerged from the Ibadan convention. Justice Stephen, in the ruling, stated that the Ibadan gathering, held in November of the previous year, violated an earlier Federal High Court decision delivered by Justice James Omotosho. This judgment effectively invalidated the outcomes of that convention, intensifying internal disagreements within the PDP.
Formation of the Interim NWC
The newly constituted interim NWC will be headed by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki. The decision was reached during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened by the Turaki-aligned bloc at the Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja. Key party stakeholders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, Professor Jerry Gana, and former Minister of Women Affairs Zainab Maina, attended the meeting.
Rejection of the Abuja Convention
The Turaki-aligned bloc has rejected the Abuja convention, which produced the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led NWC, arguing that it lacks legitimacy and should be considered null and void. According to the bloc, the PDP constitution mandates the establishment of a caretaker or interim structure whenever a leadership gap exists, prompting the BoT to intervene.
Wike Declares End to Factionalism
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has asserted that the Supreme Court ruling has resolved the leadership dispute within the PDP. He stated, "The Supreme Court judgment has now made it known there is only one PDP, and we no longer hear faction." Wike further maintained that the Abuja convention held in March 2026, which produced the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led NWC, remains valid, highlighting the ongoing division over the party's leadership structure.
Threats of Expulsion
In a related development, the Southwest vice chairman of the PDP, Adedeji Doherty, warned former deputy national chairman, Chief Bode George, to cease his public criticisms of Minister Nyesom Wike or face expulsion. Doherty, in a statement released on Sunday, May 3, emphasized that the party would no longer tolerate what he described as "incessant criticisms" from George, indicating that disciplinary action could follow if he continues.
