The Nyesom Wike-aligned faction of the Peoples Democratic Party is seeking unity and stability as it is currently convening the 86th meeting of the Board of Trustees amid lingering leadership disputes.
The Chairman of the BoT, Mao Ohuabunwa, described it as a “defining moment” for the party, calling for calm reflection, institutional memory, and adherence to its constitutional values.
He described the board as “custodians of its soul, its values, and its constitutional integrity.”
Highlighting the party’s recent activities, Ohuabunwa noted that ward and local government congresses across the country were largely peaceful and transparent.
“These exercises demonstrate that the PDP remains deeply rooted in participatory democracy and the will of its members at the grassroots,” he said.
He added that upcoming state congresses this weekend would “further consolidate this process and strengthen our party structures across the federation.”
Ohuabunwa also spoke on Wednesday in preparations for the national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, stating, “This will provide an opportunity for the party to further reposition itself and reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles, unity, and national service.”
On legal matters, he acknowledged the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the National Caretaker Committee led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed.
“These judicial pronouncements have provided much-needed clarity and stability within the party.
“As a law-abiding political organisation, we respect the decisions of the courts and will continue to conduct our affairs in accordance with the rule of law and the provisions of our party constitution,” he said.
The chairman urged members to participate in the ongoing electronic registration exercise, noting, “A strong and properly documented membership is fundamental to building a more organised, responsive, and formidable party as we continue to reposition the PDP for greater national service.”
He concluded by emphasising the role of party elders in promoting unity and guiding decision-making.
“As elders of this great party, our responsibility is to provide guidance, promote unity, and ensure that our decisions always protect the long-term interests of the PDP and the Nigerian people who look to us for credible leadership.
“Let us therefore approach our deliberations today with open minds, a spirit of reconciliation, and a firm commitment to strengthening the unity and stability of our party,” he added, before officially welcoming attendees and wishing them fruitful discussions.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee of PDP, Abdulrahman Mohammed, called for party unity as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Mohammed provided an update on the party’s internal organisational activities, noting that the NCWC recently inspected the National Stadium in preparation for the National Convention.
He also highlighted a recent legal victory for the party, where the Court of Appeal delivered judgment on nine appeals in PDP’s favour.
Stressing the legitimacy of the NCWC, he reiterated that it remains the party’s only recognised national leadership body.
“The National Caretaker Working Committee is the only legitimate body that can present candidates in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
“As such, I urge all stakeholders, party leaders, party members and supporters to rally round the National Caretaker Working Committee as we prepare to approach activities towards the 2027 general elections.
“The Court has spoken once again that the rule of law must prevail in our party’s internal affairs.”
While preparations for the National Convention continue, Mohammed said the committee would await the Certified True Copy of the judgments before taking further steps.
“We shall wait for the Certified True Copy of the judgments by the Court of Appeal to prepare ourselves for further defence at the Supreme Court, if the need arises,” he stated.
He concluded with a call for unity and an end to litigation within the party.
“I want to call on all party stakeholders, leaders and members to unite ourselves for the betterment of our great party. Enough of the litigations that will delay our activities towards the 2027 general elections and off-season elections.
BoT remains the conscience of the party, and we shall continue to work together to deliver on the mandate given to us,” he said.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership crisis that has plagued the party since November 2025. Governors of the PDP had earlier 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 handed over from former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9.
However, a faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, later formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee, naming Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate. Attempts by both factions to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat on November 18 descended into chaos, prompting the Nigeria Police Force to seal the secretariat.
Legal battles followed, culminating in a February 12 hearing at the Court of Appeal. On March 9, the court ruled that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the party’s constitution, nullifying the convention that produced Turaki and his committee.
