The ongoing leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Sunday as the faction of the Board of Trustees (BoT) led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara declared its intention to convene a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to establish a caretaker committee that will oversee the party's operations.
Wabara Announces NEC Meeting
Speaking at the 84th meeting of his factional BoT held in Abuja, Wabara revealed that the group had obtained the consent of two-thirds of NEC members to hold the meeting, which is scheduled for Monday. He stated that this initiative is aimed at stabilizing the party in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 30, which nullified the 2025 national convention that produced the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
Supreme Court Verdict Impact
Wabara explained that the apex court's ruling effectively left the party without a valid NWC, prompting the BoT to intervene to prevent a leadership vacuum. “The Board immediately assumed administrative leadership of the party in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017),” he said, emphasizing that this action averted a complete collapse of the party’s structure following the judgment.
The proposed NEC meeting is expected to deliberate on the implications of the court ruling and take crucial decisions aimed at rescuing the PDP from its current challenges. Sources indicate that the meeting will facilitate the appointment of a caretaker committee to manage the party's affairs until a fresh national convention is conducted.
Key Stakeholders Attend BoT Meeting
Among those present at the BoT meeting were former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, who serves as secretary of the faction's board of trustees; former NWC chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki; and other key stakeholders aligned with the group.
Wabara used the occasion to justify the BoT's assumption of administrative control, asserting that the body, as the conscience of the party, has a duty to restore credible leadership. He also alleged that the party's internal crisis has been exacerbated by acts of sabotage from certain members who are allegedly working with external forces to weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Optimism Amid Crisis
Despite the turmoil, Wabara expressed optimism that the party would overcome its challenges, citing widespread support from members and sympathizers across the country. “We have been receiving a flurry of solidarity messages from Nigerians whose belief in the PDP remains unshaken. This strengthens our resolve to lead the charge to rescue our nation,” he said.
He commended members of the dissolved NWC for what he described as their patriotism, loyalty, and resilience, as well as governors, lawmakers, and party faithful for standing firm during the crisis.
