The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Tuesday as the Abdulrahman Mohammad-led National Working Committee (NWC) dismissed the formation of an interim caretaker committee backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as illegal.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Jagundo, the NWC described the move as both unconstitutional and contradictory, noting that those behind the initiative had previously argued that the PDP constitution does not recognise caretaker committees.
The disputed interim committee, chaired by Tanimu Turaki with Taofeek Arapaja as secretary, was announced at a meeting convened by the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) in Abuja. The gathering also unveiled other members, many of whom were part of the NWC elected in Ibadan but removed following the April 30 Supreme Court judgment.
However, the Mohammad-led NWC, which is reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisted that the Abuja meeting was not sanctioned by the party’s leadership. It declared all decisions taken at the meeting “null, void and of no effect.”
The NWC further argued that even if the conveners had the authority to hold such a meeting, they failed to comply with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly the requirement to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 21 days in advance.
“There is no evidence of compliance, nor was INEC in attendance as required by law. This alone renders their actions invalid,” the statement said.
The committee also questioned the involvement of BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, alleging that his participation was improper due to his earlier expulsion at the ward level over alleged anti-party activities.
Describing the development as an attempt to mislead party members and the public, the NWC urged stakeholders to disregard the caretaker committee and its resolutions, reaffirming its commitment to the party’s constitution and democratic principles.
Despite the rejection, Turaki, in his acceptance speech, acknowledged the challenges ahead and pledged to reposition the party. He expressed confidence that the PDP would not only feature in upcoming elections but also produce a winning presidential candidate for the 2027 polls.
BoT Chairman Wabara, on his part, defended the committee’s formation, stating that it was necessary to prevent a leadership vacuum following the Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the previous NWC. He maintained that the board acted within the provisions of the party’s constitution.
Governor Makinde also threw his weight behind the interim arrangement, urging party members not to lose hope despite the internal crisis. He likened the situation to a difficult phase preceding renewal and expressed confidence in the PDP’s ability to recover.
Makinde further criticised INEC for what he described as a hasty recognition of new leadership within another political party without waiting for the certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment.
The meeting in Abuja was attended by several PDP chieftains, including Jerry Gana, Babangida Aliyu, Jonah Jang, and other prominent figures, all of whom called for unity and a revival of the party ahead of future elections.
