The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has formally assumed national leadership of the party following a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria that nullified key structures within the opposition party.
In a press release issued on Thursday, April 30, 2026, the BoT said its decision was based on constitutional provisions to prevent a leadership vacuum at the national level after the court invalidated the PDP’s November 2025 national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The court ruling effectively dissolved the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) produced by that convention. It also upheld the suspension of top party officials, including Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organizing Secretary), and Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser).
According to the BoT, the judgment invalidates all actions taken by the suspended officials, including the appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman, the formation of a caretaker committee, and the conduct of the March 29, 2026 convention in Abuja.
The implication is that both the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led and the Turaki-led leadership structures have been rendered null and void, leaving the BoT as the highest functioning organ of the party under Section 32(5) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).
The BoT, chaired by Adolphus Wabara, said it has stepped in as a “constitutional remedial measure” aimed at stabilizing the party, promoting reconciliation, and restoring effective leadership.
As part of immediate steps, the BoT announced plans to convene an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to appoint an Interim National Working Committee. This body will oversee the party’s affairs and ensure compliance with electoral timelines ahead of the 2027 general elections.
All PDP staff have also been directed to resume duties at the party’s National Secretariat under the supervision of the BoT pending the constitution of the interim leadership.
The BoT commended key stakeholders, including Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, alongside the National Assembly caucus, state chairmen, youth and women wings, for their resilience during the crisis.
Calling for unity, the BoT urged party members to set aside internal divisions and work collectively to rebuild the PDP, stressing that the ongoing crisis has ultimately impacted Nigerians who look to the party as a viable political alternative.
“The PDP has suffered enough,” the statement read, urging reconciliation and a renewed commitment to democratic values ahead of the 2027 elections.
