By Remi Johnson
In what appears to be a rebirth of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Nyesom Wike, has dissolved the Board of Trustees (BoT) led by Senator Adolphus Wabara and reconstituted a new team.
At an emergency meeting held in Abuja, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad, announced Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (Abia State, South-East) as the new BoT Chairman, while Isah Dansidi (Jigawa State, North-West) was named Secretary, replacing Senator Ahmed Makarfi.
Muhammad explained that the decision followed consultations with strategic members of the party across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He stated that the previous Board of Trustees had “lost the moral balance expected of it” after being suspended by the Abia State Chapter of the party, noting that the credibility of that leadership became heavily questioned, rendering its continued role in national advisory matters untenable.
“As a result of this, the Board that was meant to be the moral compass of our party became divided and ineffective. This vacuum of moral guidance was further compounded by the actions of the then suspended National Chairman, Umar Damagum, whose leadership regrettably chose convenience over the constitution and personal loyalty over the rule of law,” Muhammad said.
The Acting Chairman called on the newly reconstituted BoT to liaise with leaders across the country and work towards uniting the party.
In his acceptance speech, the new BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, commended members for considering him worthy of the position and pledged to strengthen the internal democratic culture of the party by promoting transparency, inclusiveness, and institutional respect.
Ohuabunwa assured that the BoT under his leadership would uphold its sacred responsibility as the conscience of the PDP, “speaking truth with fairness, guiding with integrity, and ensuring that the party remains a beacon of democracy and hope for the nation.”
The newly reconstituted Board of Trustees (BoT) was inaugurated by Adeoye Olorunsola.
In its inaugural statement, the Board affirmed that only through adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), the Electoral Act, the INEC Guidelines, the Party’s Constitution, and mutual respect can the PDP continue to serve as the true custodian of Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
It also called on all leaders, members, and supporters of the PDP across Nigeria and in the diaspora to close ranks, uphold constitutionalism, and work collectively toward a successful National Convention that will further consolidate the unity and credibility of the party.
Stakeholders at the PDP BoT inauguration ceremony resolved to rebuild the party’s moral foundation and restore internal democracy through fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
In a communiqué issued after the closed-door meeting, Ohuabunwa explained that the shake-up became necessary, adding that the new leadership was chosen in line with the party’s internal balancing formula, with both Wabara and Ohuabunwa from the South, while Makarfi and Dansidi are from the North.
“The immediate past BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and Secretary, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, having publicly taken sides in the ongoing intra-party crisis, could no longer continue to serve in their previous capacities,” the communiqué stated.
It reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to unity, discipline, and constitutional order, stressing that the party remains “one indivisible, democratic family anchored on justice, equity, and progress.”
The new BoT also threw its weight behind the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on October 31, 2025, describing it as binding and superior to any interim order of a state court. It directed all organs and officers of the party to comply fully with the judgment and commended the judiciary for “upholding the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law.”
On the planned National Convention, the BoT urged caution, advising that the exercise be postponed pending the determination of the appeal already filed at the Court of Appeal.
“Prudence and respect for judicial processes demand that the proposed National Convention be postponed until the Court of Appeal delivers its decision,” the statement read.
The BoT also pledged to serve as the conscience and stabilizing moral compass of the party, assuring that it would mediate among stakeholders to foster harmony and prevent divisive tendencies.
In a goodwill message, elder statesman Chief Jim Nwobodo, the oldest founding member of the PDP, appealed to the new leadership to embrace peace and reach out to aggrieved members.
“PDP is like the ANC of South Africa; it is the mother of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said. “Do all you can to bring about peace in our party. Many who left are willing to return if we open our doors.”
He also praised Minister Wike for his performance in Abuja and urged him to channel the same energy toward rebuilding the party.
Most of the stakeholders that attended the ceremony, described the inauguration of the new BoT as a turning point for the PDP, saying the reconstitution marks “a return to the party’s core values of justice, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law.”