The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and Protem Chairman of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Senator Adolphus Wabara Monday announced steps to rebuild the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a Supreme Court judgment that nullified its National Working Committee (NWC).
This he disclosed at the NEC meeting convened by two-third of NEC members held at Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja
Wabara said the BOT assumed administrative leadership of the party in line with the provisions of its constitution, as amended in 2017, to prevent a leadership vacuum after the apex court invalidated the 2025 National Convention that produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led NWC.
He explained that the Supreme Court ruling, delivered on April 30, 2026, also upheld the suspension of key conveners of the March 29 and 30 conventions held in Abuja, thereby nullifying the outcomes of those exercises.
Describing the development as a defining moment, Wabara said the situation underscores the resilience of the PDP and its ability to overcome internal challenges.
He disclosed that the ongoing NEC meeting was convened to chart a new course for the party, with a central focus on appointing an interim National Working Committee to steer its affairs at this critical period.
According to him, the BOT has already undertaken wide consultations with stakeholders and secured the consent of NEC members to convene the emergency meeting, with due notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The task before us is to stabilise and reposition our party. We will be presenting a group of tested leaders to serve in an interim National Working Committee for approval and onward transmission to INEC,” Wabara said.
He charged those to be appointed into the interim leadership to demonstrate sacrifice, promote unity and reconciliation, and uphold the principles of internal democracy, fairness and transparency.
Wabara also commended members of the dissolved NWC, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, as well as governors, National Assembly caucus members and other stakeholders for their loyalty and contributions to sustaining the party through the crisis.
While expressing confidence in the PDP’s recovery, he urged members to put aside personal interests and work collectively toward rebuilding the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wabara reaffirmed that the PDP remains a viable platform for Nigerians, adding that efforts are underway to restore its strength and reposition it for future electoral success.
Speaking, Governor Seyi Makinde urged members of the PDP to remain united and resolute as the party navigates its current leadership crisis, expressing confidence that it will emerge stronger.
Makinde described the situation facing the party as its “darkest moment,” but insisted it signals the beginning of a new phase.
“When the day is about to break, that is usually the darkest moment. Yes, we are going through that phase now, but it means a new order,” he said.
The governor expressed appreciation to party elders and founding members for stepping in to stabilise the PDP, particularly in managing activities at its national secretariat and Legacy House.
He, however, raised concerns over actions by some individuals he accused of undermining party cohesion, citing reports of aspirants seeking nomination forms under questionable circumstances.
Makinde maintained that despite internal challenges, the PDP retains the strength and structure to produce future leaders, including governors, senators and the next president.
“We have the capacity to overcome these challenges. I have no doubt about that,” he stated.
Throwing his weight behind the proposed interim National Working Committee (NWC), Makinde called on party members to support the incoming leadership, stressing the need for unity, sacrifice and collective action.
He also sent a message to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the electoral body to uphold democratic principles and respect the internal processes of political parties.
Makinde further criticised what he described as attempts by external forces to interfere in party affairs, insisting that only the party has the authority to determine its membership and leadership.
Makinde reaffirmed his belief in the PDP’s resilience, urging members to remain focused and committed to rebuilding the party ahead of future electoral contests.
Speaking, the Chairman of the NWC, Tanimu Turaki, expressed appreciation to the PDP leadership for its continued support and assured that the committee remains committed to fostering unity, strengthening internal democracy, and repositioning the party ahead of upcoming political engagements.
The NWC members include: Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN – Chairman, Arapaja Taofeek Gbola-Oladejo – Secretary, Alh. Hamza Akuyam Koshe – Member, Dr. Daniel Ambrose Woyengikuro – Member, Ihediwa Richard Nnabugwu – Member, Isa Abubakar – Member, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel – Member, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan – Member, Comrade Ini Ememobong, MNIPR – Member, Aribisala Adewale Idowu – Member, Bara’u Shafi’i – Member, Ogbu Anthonia Chinenyenwa – Member and Hon. Umar Dan Aji – Member
