By Abuja, Nigeria
The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria which invalidated the party’s November 2025 National Convention that produced the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.
The position of the BoT was contained in a communiqué presented by its Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, at the end of an expanded emergency meeting held on Tuesday and Wednesday in Abuja. The meeting was convened to review issues relating to the leadership of the party following the March 9, 2026 judgment delivered by the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal.
In the communiqué, the BoT expressed disagreement with the ruling that invalidated the November 15–16, 2025 National Convention but stated that it was awaiting the advice of its legal team on the next steps.
Despite its reservations about the judgment, the board said it would explore the reconciliation window provided by the court to resolve the leadership crisis within the party. The BoT also expressed concern over internal leadership disputes and litigations that have negatively affected the unity and smooth running of the PDP as Nigeria’s major opposition party.
According to the board, urgent steps would be taken to reconcile aggrieved stakeholders and restore stability in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The Board is resolved to take immediate steps to reconcile all stakeholders, put an end to disputes and restore the party to good political health, particularly to enable the PDP field candidates in the 2027 general elections,” the communiqué stated.
To facilitate this process, the BoT announced the constitution of a special committee that will engage with legal teams and other stakeholders to foster reconciliation within the party. The board also acknowledged what it described as increasing support for the PDP across the country, citing reports of a surge in membership registration during the ongoing nationwide e-registration exercise.
It said the development underscores the standing of the PDP as a preferred political platform for many Nigerians ahead of the 2027 polls. The BoT further called on party leaders and members to set aside personal interests and unite for the collective interest of the party and the country.
The board commended the efforts of Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, and Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, for their commitment to the party and its objectives.
In another decision, the BoT unanimously approved the appointment of former Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, ex-governor of Niger State, as Secretary of the board in line with Section 32 of the party’s constitution. The board also urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, assuring that the PDP was working to reposition itself to “salvage the nation from the stranglehold” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
