PDP leadership crisis: Party’s BoT rejects Appeal Court’s judgement, awaits it’s lawyers’ advice

• Sets up reconciliation committee

• Says opposition party’s crisis avoidable

• Names Babangida Aliyu as Secretary

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under the chairmanship of former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has rejected the Monday’s judgement of the Court of Appeal which invalidated the party’s elective national convention held on November 15th and 16th last year in Ibadan the Oyo State capital.

Rising from an expanded meeting in Abuja, the BoT, in its 11-point communique, pointed out that it is awaiting the advice of its lawyers on the way forward on the matter.

The BoT members, in the communique of the meeting which began on Tuesday in Abuja and ended on Wednesday, expressed worries on what they tagged, “the avoidable internal leadership disputes and wranglings leading to damaging litigations with consequential detrimental effect” on the unity and smooth running of the PDP as the major opposition party in the country.

The Board however acknowledged and resolved to explore the window provided by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division for reconciliation within the party.

The BoT members said that they are conscious of the interest and aspiration of the PDP members who are desirous of contesting various positions in the 2027 general elections.

The communique reads in part, “The BoT disagrees with the judgment of the Court of Appeal which pronounced an invalidation of the November 15th to 16th 2025 National Convention that produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee of our Party.

“The BoT is awaiting the advice of our lawyers on the way forward in this regard.

“The BoT is disturbed by the avoidable internal leadership disputes and wranglings leading to damaging litigations with consequential detrimental effect on the unity and smooth running of the PDP as the major opposition party in the country.

“The Board however acknowledges and resolved to explore the window provided by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division for reconciliation within the party.

“The BoT is conscious of the interest and aspiration of our members who are desirous of contesting various positions in the 2027 general elections”, the communique said.

Conscious of the onus on the BoT as the conscience and third highest leadership Organ of the Party, the Board is resolved to take immediate steps to reconcile all stakeholders, put an end to all disputes and restore the party to good political health, particularly to enable the PDP field candidates in the 2027 general elections.

According to the communique, “The BoT constitutes a special Committee to immediately interface with the legal teams and any other stakeholders to foster reconciliation within the party.

“The Board acknowledges the support, loyalty and solidarity of Nigerians towards the PDP as further evidenced in the on-going nationwide e-registration of members.

“Reports from the field indicate daily registration of members in their millions. The unprecedented surge to our Party, despite the challenges, underscores the standing of the PDP as the party of choice for majority of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The BoT therefore calls on all leaders and members of our party to jettison all personal and group interests and come together as one family in the overall interest of our Party and the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians whose hope are anchored on the PDP.

“The BoT commends the efforts of our Governors; Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for their commitment and steadfastness towards the party and wellbeing of all Nigerians.

“The BoT pursuant to Section 32 of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Babangida Aliyu as the Secretary of the Board.

“The BoT urges Nigerians not to be dispirited but remain hopeful as the PDP works hard in repositioning itself for the task of salvaging our nation from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, the communique, which was read by Wabara concluded.