The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, with a faction loyal to Seyi Makinde pushing to install a caretaker committee headed by Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

The move follows a high-level meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), chaired by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, held in Abuja on Sunday.

BoT Moves to Stabilise Party

At the meeting, Wabara insisted the PDP would resist both internal and external forces threatening its stability, maintaining that the party’s structures remain intact despite ongoing disputes.

“The PDP will never surrender to renegades and political brigands,” Wabara declared, noting that the BoT intervened in line with constitutional provisions to restore order and unity.

Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Leadership Vacuum

The latest development comes days after the Supreme Court of Nigeria nullified the Makinde-backed national convention held in Ibadan in November, citing violations of existing court orders in a split 3–2 judgment.

Wabara argued that the ruling created a leadership vacuum, prompting urgent steps to reposition the party.

He disclosed that the BoT has secured the required two-thirds majority to convene a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where the proposed caretaker committee is expected to be ratified.

Turaki Emerges Frontrunner

Sources at the meeting revealed that Turaki enjoys broad support among BoT members due to his perceived neutrality and recent efforts to reposition the party.

While some members reportedly suggested alternative candidates, the majority view favours Turaki to lead the 10-member caretaker committee tasked with overseeing party affairs and coordinating key electoral processes.

2027 Calculations Intensify

The PDP crisis is unfolding against the backdrop of mounting political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Insiders indicate that Makinde may soon declare his intention to contest the presidency under the PDP platform, reaffirming his commitment to the party despite internal divisions.

Wike Camp Pushes Back

However, the faction aligned with Nyesom Wike has rejected claims of any leadership vacuum, insisting that the party’s current leadership remains valid.

The faction’s Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, dismissed the BoT meeting as insignificant.

He described it as “a gathering of people taking tea,” underscoring the deepening divisions within the opposition party.

Uncertainty Persists

With both factions holding firm positions, the PDP faces a critical moment as it attempts to resolve its internal crisis and reposition itself ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political observers warn that the outcome of the impending NEC meeting could determine the party’s cohesion and its ability to mount a credible challenge in the next electoral cycle.