The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, marked by a significant shake-up in its leadership structure. On Friday, a faction of the party announced Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, a former Senator for Abia North, as the new Chairman of its Board of Trustees (BoT). This decision effectively unseated the Senator Adolphus Wabara-led Board. The move was made during an emergency session of the reconstituted BoT in Abuja, an event notably attended by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. During the same session, Hon. Isah Dansidi was appointed as the new BoT Secretary.

The inauguration ceremony, which saw the presence of various party leaders, including elder statesman and founding member Chief Jim Nwobodo, served as a platform for the factional PDP group to declare its commitment. They pledged to rebuild the party’s moral foundation and restore internal democracy through principles of fairness, transparency, and a strict adherence to the rule of law.

Senator Ohuabunwa, speaking after his appointment, clarified the reasons behind the leadership change. He stated that the shake-up became unavoidable due to the perceived erosion of neutrality by the previous BoT leadership. Ohuabunwa explained that the immediate past BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and Secretary, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, had publicly taken sides in the ongoing intra-party crisis, making their continued service in those capacities untenable. He further noted that the new leadership was selected in line with the party’s internal balancing formula, ensuring regional representation with both Wabara and Ohuabunwa from the South, and Makarfi and Dansidi from the North.

The communiqué released by the newly constituted BoT reaffirmed the PDP’s dedication to unity, discipline, and constitutional order, emphasizing its identity as “one indivisible, democratic family” founded on justice, equity, and progress. The new BoT unequivocally endorsed the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court on October 31, 2025, describing it as binding and superior to any interim order issued by a State High Court. Consequently, the BoT directed all party organs and officers to fully comply with this judgment, commending the judiciary for upholding constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.

Addressing the upcoming PDP national convention, the BoT urged caution, recommending its postponement. This delay, they argued, is necessary pending the determination of an appeal already filed at the Court of Appeal by the Ambassador Iliya Damagum-led party leadership. The communiqué stated that “Prudence and respect for judicial processes demand that the proposed National Convention be postponed until the Court of Appeal delivers its decision.” The factional BoT also committed to acting as the conscience and stabilizing moral compass of the party, promising to mediate among stakeholders to foster harmony and prevent divisive tendencies.

Earlier in the event, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, the factional acting national chairman of PDP, hailed the inauguration of the new BoT as a pivotal moment for the party. He asserted that the reconstituted BoT signals a return to the PDP’s foundational values of justice, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law. Abdulrahman lamented that under the previous leadership, the party had lost its moral equilibrium and strayed from its constitutional principles. He specifically criticized the previous Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, for losing the moral balance expected of such a noble institution, which he claimed led to questions about its credibility and its ability to serve in national advisory roles.

The acting chairman also accused the suspended National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, of prioritizing convenience over constitutional adherence and loyalty over legality, thereby compromising the PDP’s moral compass through impunity and selective enforcement of party rules. Abdulrahman clarified that the Federal High Court judgment was not an attack on the PDP but rather “a wake-up call to return to our roots and restore the order and ideals that made the PDP the pride of African democracy.” He tasked the new BoT with serving as the moral voice and conscience of the party, urging them to speak truth to power, defend justice, and promote inclusivity, underscoring that their role is a sacred trust, not merely a reward for loyalty.

Chief Jim Nwobodo, the oldest founding member of the PDP present, made a heartfelt appeal to the new leadership to mend divisions and extend an olive branch to aggrieved members. He likened the PDP to the ANC of South Africa, describing it as “the mother of Nigeria’s democracy,” and implored the new leadership to do everything possible to bring peace to the party, noting that many who left are willing to return if given the opportunity. Nwobodo also lauded FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his performance in Abuja and encouraged him to channel similar energy into rebuilding the party, expressing confidence that with such effort, “PDP will be the party to beat again.”

In its concluding resolutions, the BoT reiterated its dedication to reconciliation and inclusiveness, appealing to all members to act with maturity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the party’s unity and progress. It emphasized that genuine reconciliation, internal democracy, and unwavering adherence to the constitution remain the essential cornerstones of the PDP’s revival. The communiqué concluded with the BoT pledging to consistently uphold its sacred responsibility as the conscience of the PDP, by speaking truth with fairness, guiding with integrity, and ensuring that the party continues to stand as a beacon of democracy and hope for the nation.