The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially commenced a significant internal reorganisation in Oyo State with the inauguration of a caretaker committee to manage its affairs. This decisive step follows the recent dissolution of the state's executive council by the party's national leadership.
A New Chapter for Oyo PDP
The inauguration ceremony was held on Friday in Ibadan, the state capital, marking a pivotal transition. The committee's mandate officially took effect from December 24, 2025, and is established under the provisions of Section 21(2)(a–b) of the PDP constitution. The committee is authorised to oversee party operations for a period not exceeding 30 days.
The list of committee members was approved by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), which is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The party's National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, had previously announced the appointments.
Committee Leadership and Composition
Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso was named as the Chairman of the caretaker committee, with Dr. Biola Olanipekun appointed as the Secretary. The committee comprises fifteen members in total, including:
- Mr Adio Dauda Tolani
- Hon. Ali Hammed Okesola
- Prince Adewale Lukuman Adewale
- Mr Tunde Sikiru Adeniran
- Alhaja Risikat Kola Popoola
- Hon. Kabiru Adesokan
- Hon. Yekini Adebisi Toyosi
- Hon. Rotimi Adewuyi
- Hon. Musbau Olayowola
- Hon. Oyewole Olaosebikan
- Hon. Abideen Olarewaju
- Comrade Akinloye Oyeniyi
- Chief Bili Muraina
- Hon. Dauda Ramon Bamibeke
- Barrister Babatunde Akinola
Thirteen of the appointed members were present to take the oath of office, which was administered by Barrister Kehinde Adebayo in Ibadan.
Mandate and Pledges for the Future
In his address after the inauguration, Chairman Akinoso pledged that the committee would operate with transparency, inclusiveness, and strict adherence to the party's constitution. He described the event as a landmark development for the PDP in Oyo State, with the primary task of stabilising the party and rebuilding its structures from the ward to the state level.
Akinoso emphasised that the committee's work, approved by the NWC under Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, focuses on deepening internal democracy. This includes ensuring transparent membership mobilisation, credible delegate elections, and fair leadership representation across all tiers of the party.
He disclosed that practical activities to implement this mandate would begin on January 9, 2026, as directed by the NWC. Expressing awareness of the enormous responsibility, Akinoso stated his commitment to achieving meaningful success within the stipulated 30-day timeframe. He drew confidence from his extensive experience as a former youth leader, trade unionist, career public servant, and seasoned party organiser.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Akinoso stressed that rebuilding the party's internal structures is critical for electoral success in Oyo State. He promised to address grievances among members to foster unity and reaffirmed the validity of the National Executive Committee's decision of November 18, 2025, which dissolved the former state executive. Consequently, he urged members of the dissolved executive to hand over all party property to the new committee's secretary.
Also speaking at the event, the PDP's Caretaker Committee National Women Leader, Professor Adenike Ogunshe, expressed optimism that the party would bounce back strongly. She stated that the constitution of the caretaker committee was imperative to give the PDP a new lease of life in the state.
