Rival factions claim control of PDP Board of Trustees as Supreme Court ruling sparks leadership crisis

The PDP faces a new crisis as rival factions battle for BoT leadership after the Supreme Court nullified the 2025 convention.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 4:41 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Constitutional Crisis Triggers Dueling Leadership Claims

The Peoples Democratic Party has plunged into a renewed state of internal conflict as two opposing groups battle for control of its Board of Trustees. Following a Supreme Court verdict that nullified the Ibadan national convention and the resulting Tanimu Turaki led executive, the faction headed by Senator Adolphus Wabara declared that it has officially assumed responsibility for the party’s national leadership. According to the Wabara group, this intervention is a constitutional necessity intended to prevent a total administrative vacuum. Citing Section 32 (5) of the party’s constitution, they argue that the invalidation of the national convention placed the statutory onus of governance directly onto the shoulders of the trustees.

Invalidation of Recent Executive Actions

The implications of the apex court’s decision are sweeping, effectively stripping several high ranking officials of their authority. The Wabara led board maintains that the judgment upheld the suspension of Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Bature, and Kamaldeen Ajibade, rendering all their previous actions illegal and void. According to this interpretation, the appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as acting national chairman and the outcome of the March 29 convention in Abuja are now without legal foundation. Consequently, the group has directed all party staff to resume work at the national secretariat under the board’s direct supervision while they prepare to appoint an interim committee.

A Rival Vision for Party Stability

In a sharp rebuttal, a separate group of trustees backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has presented a conflicting interpretation of the legal landscape. Led by Chairman Mao Ohuabunwa, this faction insists that the Supreme Court judgment actually reinforces the legitimacy of the Abdulrahman Mohammed led National Working Committee. Ohuabunwa stated that as the party’s moral compass, the board fully accepts the court’s decision to nullify the Ibadan convention, but argues that the structure led by Mohammed remains the valid and stabilizing authority. According to this group, the party is still fully functional through its recognized organs and does not require a takeover by the trustees.