The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with former Minister Nyesom Wike has taken a major step in the ongoing party crisis by dissolving the leadership of fourteen state chapters.
Major Shakeup in PDP State Structures
In a decisive move, the PDP Caretaker Committee, which recognises Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, announced the dissolution on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The committee insists its leadership is the only legitimate structure within the party.
The announcement was made by the Acting Publicity Secretary, Haruna Jungun, following a committee meeting held in Abuja. The communiqué directly challenged the legitimacy of the group elected at the November 16 convention in Ibadan, which produced Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and other National Working Committee members.
List of Affected States and New Appointments
The committee specifically named fourteen states whose executive committees have been dissolved. The affected states are:
- Borno
- Bauchi
- Oyo
- Zamfara
- Yobe
- Ekiti
- Bayelsa
- Enugu
- Ebonyi
- Anambra
- Delta
- Taraba
- Kano
- Lagos
In place of the dissolved executives, the National Caretaker Committee ratified new caretaker committees for these states. It also announced key national appointments, including Professor Adenike Ogunse as Women Leader, Engineer Deji Dohati as Deputy National Secretary, and Ambassador Dr Ibrahim Bala-Aboki as Youth Leader.
Roadmap to Congresses and National Convention
The committee has approved a clear calendar for rebuilding the party's structures. State congresses are scheduled to begin on January 9, 2026. These congresses will pave the way for a subsequent national convention.
Acting Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman emphasised the faction's commitment to legality. He stated that their actions are guided by the party's constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He reiterated that there is only one PDP under his committee's stewardship.
This move is framed as part of the committee's 60-day mandate to stabilise the party nationwide. However, it sets the stage for continued parallel activities with the Turaki-led faction, which also claims legitimacy and continues to meet with party leaders. The battle for the soul of the PDP appears far from over as both sides prepare for the crucial congresses early next year.
