PDP Crisis Deepens as Wabara Urges INEC to Recognise Makinde-Backed Interim NWC

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on Monday as Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Adolphus Wabara, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the newly constituted interim National Working Committee (NWC) backed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

Wabara made the appeal during the party’s 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where he urged the electoral body to update its official records to reflect the interim leadership.

The Makinde-backed faction had earlier announced the appointment of Kabiru Turaki as chairman of a 13-member interim NWC mandated to steer the affairs of the party pending the resolution of its leadership tussle.

Other members of the committee include Woyengikuro Daniel, Hamza Koshe, Ihediwa Nnabugwu, Isa Abubakar, Okechukwu Daniel, Theophilus Shan, Ini Ememobong, Aribisala Idowu, Bara’u Shafi’i, Ogbu Chinenyenwa, Umar Aji, with Taofeek Arapaja serving as secretary.

The development follows last week’s Supreme Court judgment which nullified the PDP national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, that produced Turaki as national chairman.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Stephen Adah held that the convention violated an existing order of the Federal High Court, thereby rendering its outcome invalid.

Speaking at the NEC meeting, Wabara said the party had taken decisive steps in recent days to stabilise its structure through broad consultations and in line with constitutional provisions.

“We have duly notified INEC as required by law. This meeting is convened to chart a new course for the party, including the ratification of an interim National Working Committee to pilot its affairs at this critical time,” he said.

He further urged INEC to respect the Supreme Court ruling and reflect the interim leadership on its portal.

Wabara, who criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accused it of worsening the hardship faced by Nigerians, insisting that the PDP remains the viable alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, “Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to rescue the country. The level of hardship and suffering under the current administration is unprecedented.”

He called on party members to put aside personal interests and unite for the survival and resurgence of the PDP.

Also speaking, Turaki assured that the interim committee would work assiduously to reposition the party and ensure its readiness for future elections.

The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national structure, a situation that continues to raise concerns over its preparedness for the next electoral cycle.