The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party has formally assumed the national leadership of the party following a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria that nullified its 2025 national convention.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, April 30, 2026, and signed by BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, the party’s highest advisory body said its intervention was necessary to prevent a leadership vacuum and restore stability within the opposition party.
The Supreme Court, in its judgment delivered earlier in the day, invalidated the PDP’s National Convention held between November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, which produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC). The court also upheld the suspension of key party officials, including Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organizing Secretary), and Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser).
According to the BoT, the ruling renders all decisions and actions taken by the affected officials invalid, including the appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman, the formation of a National Caretaker Working Committee, and the conduct of the party’s March 29, 2026 convention in Abuja.
“The implication of the judgment is that both the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led and Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led working committees stand nullified,” the statement read.
Citing Section 32(5) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), the BoT noted that it is constitutionally empowered to step in as the second highest organ of the party in the absence of a valid National Working Committee. It added that the takeover is a “constitutional remedial step” aimed at stabilizing the party, fostering reconciliation, and repositioning it ahead of future electoral contests.
As part of immediate actions, the BoT announced plans to convene an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in line with Section 31 of the party’s constitution. The meeting is expected to appoint an Interim National Working Committee to oversee the party’s affairs and ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
The BoT also directed all party staff to resume duties at the national secretariat under its leadership pending the constitution of the interim body.
While acknowledging the turbulent period within the party, the BoT commended key stakeholders, including Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, as well as members of the National Assembly caucus, state chairmen, youth and women wings, for their resilience and commitment to the party.
The trustees further called on party leaders and members nationwide to set aside personal interests and unite for the collective good of the PDP and the country.
“The PDP has suffered enough. The time has come for all to embrace genuine reconciliation, make sacrifices, and chart a new course for the party in the interest of democracy and the wellbeing of Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
