UPDATED: PDP BoT takes leadership and plans caretaker committee after S’Court verdict

The crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party deepened on Thursday when the party’s Board of Directors, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, formally assumed control of the national leadership following a damning Supreme Court ruling that invalidated its latest national convention.

The supreme court, in a split 3-2 decision, invalidated the PDP convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025, which produced the National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki and supported by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Wabara said the BoT’s seizure of power was in line with section 32(5) of the party’s constitution, aimed at preventing a leadership vacuum and stabilizing the opposition party.

He revealed that the council will immediately convene an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee to set up an interim committee to manage the affairs of the party.

“The Board of Directors hereby assumes the leadership of the PDP as a constitutional corrective step to restore order, ensure continuity and reposition the party,” the statement read.

The Supreme Court had ruled that the Ibadan convention was conducted in violation of existing court orders, faulting the party for proceeding with the exercise despite clear judicial restrictions.

The court also upheld the suspension of key party officials, including former national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature; and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.

According to the BoT, the implications of the ruling are far-reaching, rendering invalid all decisions taken by the officials concerned, including the emergence of an interim national president and the establishment of an interim committee by a rival faction.

The leadership tussle has polarized the party, with a faction reportedly supported by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike claiming victory, while the Makinde-aligned camp insisted that the ruling had effectively left the PDP without a recognized leadership structure.

The Turaki-led faction warned that the development could push the party into deeper turmoil if not handled carefully.

“This places the party at a dangerous crossroads capable of undermining not only its stability but also Nigeria’s multiparty democracy,” the group said.

However, the BoT argued that its intervention was necessary to “save, stabilize and restore the party to political health”.

He also directed all staff to resume their duties at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, under his supervision pending the establishment of an interim leadership.

Wabara also appealed to party leaders to put aside personal interests and embrace reconciliation in the interest of electoral unity and vitality ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The PDP has suffered enough. The time has come for sacrifices, true reconciliation and a new direction for the party,” he added.

The council also commended key stakeholders, including Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, Makinde and other party organs, for their resilience amid the prolonged leadership crisis.

The latest development marks a critical turning point for the PDP as it battles internal divisions and legal logjams in a bid to reposition itself as a formidable opposition ahead of the next general elections.

‘

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE