PDP BoT moves to heal party rift after convention nullification

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a special committee to work with the party’s legal advisers and key stakeholders in a bid to resolve lingering internal disputes.

The decision was announced in a communiqué issued on Wednesday in Abuja after a two-day expanded emergency meeting of the board. The session was chaired by the BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara.

According to the communiqué, the committee has been tasked with engaging the party’s legal team and other stakeholders to address the leadership crisis triggered by the March 9 ruling of the Court of Appeal. The panel is also expected to help ensure the party is able to nominate candidates for the 2026 general elections.

The appellate court had nullified the party’s November 2025 national convention, which produced the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).

While the BoT said it did not agree with the judgement, the communiqué noted that the board would await formal legal guidance before deciding on the next course of action.

The trustees expressed worry over what they described as needless leadership disputes and internal wrangling that culminated in damaging court cases, warning that such conflicts had weakened the cohesion of the main opposition party.

”The board, however, acknowledges and resolves to explore the window provided by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, for reconciliation within the party.

”The BoT is conscious of the interests and aspirations of our members who are desirous of contesting various positions in the 2027 general elections.

”As the conscience and third-highest leadership organ of the party, the board is resolved to take immediate steps to reconcile all stakeholders, end all disputes, and restore the party to good political health,” the communiqué said.

The board also thanked Nigerians for their continued support of the PDP, pointing to the ongoing nationwide electronic membership registration exercise.

According to the communiqué, reports from across the country indicate that enrolment into the party is rising daily, with new members joining “in their millions”.

”The unprecedented surge to our party, in spite of the challenges, underscores the standing of the PDP as the party of choice for the majority of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections,” it said.

The BoT therefore urged party leaders and members to put aside personal or factional interests and close ranks in the overall interest of the organisation.

It further announced that, in line with Section 32 of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), the board unanimously approved the appointment of Babangida Aliyu as Secretary of the Board.

The trustees also praised Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde for what it described as their commitment and steadfast support towards stabilising the party.

It concluded by urging Nigerians to remain optimistic, saying the PDP was intensifying efforts to reposition itself to “rescue the nation”.