Wike-led PDP Faction Dissolves NWC, Sets Up Caretaker Committee

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has dissolved the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and inaugurated a caretaker committee to oversee party affairs.

The caretaker committee was inaugurated on Sunday during a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) held at Wike’s Abuja residence. The 13-member committee will manage the PDP’s affairs for 60 days ahead of a national convention.

Abdulrahman Mohammed chairs the panel, with Samuel Anyanwu as secretary. Other members include Kamaldeen Ajibade (national legal adviser), Umar Bature (national organising secretary), Kyari Grema, Janguda Mohammed, Okechukwu Osuana, Nwogu Olaka, Sandy Onor, Adenike Ogunse, Bisi Kolawole, Deji Doherty, and Ibrahim Aboki.

The tenure of the PDP NWC elected in October 2021 is set to end on Tuesday. Last month, a separate PDP faction backed by governors, including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Seyi Makinde of Oyo, held a convention and elected a new NWC with Kabiru Turaki as chairman. During that convention, Wike and his allies, including Ayodele Fayose, Anyanwu, Bature, Ajibade, Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Nnanna Abraham, Dan Orbih, and Turnah George, were expelled.

The Wike faction has rejected the expulsions, forming a parallel NWC, Board of Trustees, and NEC. In response, the Wike group also expelled members of the Makinde faction, deepening the party’s internal crisis.