PDP crisis deepens as Wike’s faction constitutes National Caretaker Committee
The Peoples Democratic Party crisis widened on Sunday as the National Executive Committee approved a National Caretaker Committee to take charge of the party ahead of a national convention.
The decision followed confirmation that the tenure of the current National Working Committee will end on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, making a transition team necessary to avoid a leadership vacuum.
The approval was announced at the 104th NEC meeting held in Abuja, where members resolved that the party must be guided through its internal dispute with a temporary leadership structure that will operate within the limits of the constitution. The committee is expected to stabilise internal administration and prepare for congresses and the next national convention.
The 13 member Caretaker Committee will be led by Hon Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman, while Senator Samuel Anyanwu will serve as Secretary. Other members include the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, the National Organising Secretary, Hon Umar Bature, Dr Kyari Grema, Hon Janguda Haruna Mohammed, Barr Okechukwu Osuana, Senator Nwogu Olaka, Senator Sandy Onor, Prof Adenike Ogunse, Hon Bisi Kolawole, Engr Deji Doherty and Dr Ibrahim Bala Aboki.
NEC assigned the committee a 60 day mandate during which it must oversee all pending congresses and ensure that a national convention is conducted within the timeframe.
Party leaders said the move is necessary to prevent uncertainty and maintain administrative order during one of the PDP’s most turbulent moments.
Speaking during the meeting, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned that the party’s founding members would not allow individuals who joined from other political platforms to destabilise or destroy the PDP.
He criticised a faction for what he called an illegal convention and accused the group of ignoring valid court judgments.
Wike explained that the faction violated two Federal High Court rulings before approaching a State High Court to seek validation.
“You went to a State High Court to sue INEC, asking that the convention must take place, and you got an ex-parte order to override judgments of the Federal High Court. How do you disobey two final judgments and still claim leadership?” Wike asked.
The Minister said the same group returned to another court after failing to obey lawful orders. “You had the convention without obeying the court, and now you are back asking a Federal High Court to recognize you. If INEC already recognizes you, what exactly are you going to court for?” he added.
Wike said actions like this place the future of the party at risk and urged leaders to reject selfish politics that could weaken a party that has existed since 1998. He said leadership requires honesty, respect for rules and loyalty to the party’s internal procedures. “We must not allow our party to die. Leadership requires commitment and honesty, not propaganda. If we don’t respect our own laws, how do we earn respect from Nigerians?” he stated.
He called on party members to rally behind recognised leadership and support efforts to rebuild the PDP on the basis of lawful processes and democratic values. He said unity and discipline remain the only ways the party can regain national confidence.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, told the NEC that forming a Caretaker Committee was in line with the party’s constitution and necessary for a smooth transition after the expiration of the NWC tenure. He said the plan would help uphold unity and stability across all levels of the party.
He said the step is part of a wider process to consolidate internal reforms, rebuild trust and enforce compliance with the party’s rules. He added that restoring order requires patience and a commitment to the law.
The BoT also noted that caretaker bodies are already being set up in states and zones where congresses could not hold, including Anambra and the South East. It said these measures would prevent leadership gaps and support better organisation as the PDP moves toward its next national convention.
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