Supreme Court Ruling: PDP BoT Takes Over Leadership — Wabara

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party has assumed control of the party’s national leadership following a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of Nigeria that nullified its November 2025 national convention.

BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, describing the move as a constitutional necessity to avert a leadership vacuum within the party.

According to him, the apex court invalidated the Ibadan convention that produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), while also upholding the suspension of key party officials, including Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Bature and Kamaldeen Ajibade.

Wabara stated that all decisions taken by the affected leadership, including the appointment of an acting national chairman, are “null and void ab initio,” stressing that both the Turaki-led structure and subsequent arrangements lack legal standing.

He explained that the development leaves the BoT as the highest functioning organ of the party, thereby placing on it the responsibility of steering its affairs in line with constitutional provisions.

“The Board has, with immediate effect, assumed responsibility for the national working leadership of the party to stabilise its structure and promote reconciliation,” Wabara said.

He further announced plans to convene an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to appoint an interim National Working Committee that will manage party affairs and ensure compliance with the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wabara also directed staff of the party to resume duties at the national secretariat under the supervision of the BoT pending the constitution of an interim leadership.

While commending party stakeholders, including Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, for their resilience during the crisis, he urged members to set aside personal interests and embrace unity.

“The party has endured significant internal challenges. This is the time for sacrifice, reconciliation and collective rebuilding,” he added.

Source: Leadership Newspaper