A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike, has announced the dissolution of the party’s executives in 14 state chapters. The Care-Taker Committee, led by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Samuel Anyanwu, claims to be the only legitimate leadership structure recognized by the party. This decision was made public in a statement following a meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
The affected states include Borno, Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Delta, Taraba, Kano, and Lagos. The committee has announced plans to conduct fresh congresses in these states in January 2026. The move is seen as a continuation of the ongoing power struggle within the party.
The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since the Ibadan convention, where Tanimu Turaki was elected as the new National Chairman. However, Wike and his allies, including Abdulrahman and Anyanwu, have refused to recognize Turaki’s leadership, claiming that they remain the legitimate acting chairman and secretary.
The crisis began when the party’s governors endorsed the Ibadan convention, which elected a new National Working Committee. However, Wike’s faction argued that the convention was not legitimate and appointed their own caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs. The committee, which has a 60-day mandate, is tasked with conducting outstanding congresses and convening a national convention.
The situation has led to a parallel structure within the party, with both factions holding separate meetings and activities. While Turaki has been meeting with party leaders, the Abdulrahman/Anyanwu caretaker committee has been conducting its own activities, including the dissolution of state executives.
The development highlights the deepening divisions within the PDP, which could have significant implications for the party’s future. The factionalization of the party may weaken its position in upcoming elections and create uncertainty among its members and supporters. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the party will resolve its internal conflicts and move forward.
