By Peter Omopo
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called for unity and stability within the party as it convened the 86th meeting of the Board of Trustees amid ongoing leadership disputes.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, described the gathering as a defining moment for the party and urged members to reflect calmly while adhering to the party’s constitutional values.
Ohuabunwa described the Board of Trustees as the custodian of the party’s core values and constitutional integrity, stressing the need for reconciliation and institutional stability.
He noted that recent ward and local government congresses conducted across the country were largely peaceful and transparent.
According to him, the successful conduct of the congresses demonstrated that the PDP remains committed to participatory democracy and the will of its grassroots members.
He added that the upcoming state congresses scheduled for the weekend would further strengthen the party’s structures across the federation.
Ohuabunwa also spoke about preparations for the party’s national convention slated for March 29 and 30, saying the event would provide an opportunity for the PDP to reposition itself and reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles and national service.
On legal matters, the BoT chairman acknowledged the recent Court of Appeal judgment which affirmed the National Caretaker Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.
He said the court’s decision had brought much-needed clarity and stability to the party, adding that the PDP would continue to respect the rule of law and conduct its affairs in accordance with its constitution.
Ohuabunwa also urged party members to participate in the ongoing electronic membership registration exercise, describing it as essential for building a more organised and responsive political party.
He further called on party elders to promote unity and guide decision-making in the interest of the party and the Nigerian people.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, called for unity among party members as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Mohammed said the committee had recently inspected the National Stadium in preparation for the upcoming national convention.
He also highlighted a legal victory for the party, noting that the Court of Appeal delivered judgment on nine appeals in favour of the PDP.
According to him, the National Caretaker Working Committee remains the only legitimate body authorised to present candidates for elections ahead of the 2027 polls.
He urged party stakeholders and supporters to rally behind the committee as the party prepares for future electoral activities.
Mohammed said the committee would wait for the Certified True Copy of the Court of Appeal judgment before taking further legal steps, including possible proceedings at the Supreme Court if necessary.
He also appealed to party leaders and members to put an end to prolonged litigation and focus on strengthening the party.
The current developments come against the backdrop of a prolonged leadership crisis that has affected the PDP since November 2025.
The crisis began after PDP governors backed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which produced Kabiru Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure.
Leadership was later transferred from former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9.
However, a faction loyal to Wike subsequently established a 13-member caretaker committee with Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary.
The committee was given a 60-day mandate to manage the party’s affairs.
Attempts by the rival factions to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat on November 18 led to a chaotic situation that forced the Nigeria Police to seal the secretariat.
The crisis eventually led to several legal battles, culminating in a Court of Appeal hearing on February 12.
On March 9, the appellate court ruled that the Ibadan convention violated provisions of the Electoral Act, the Nigerian Constitution and the PDP constitution, nullifying the convention that produced Turaki and members of the National Working Committee.
