The factional National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday inaugurated Local Government Area (LGA) Caretaker Committees across all 20 council areas in Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration underscores the deepening national leadership crisis within the party, which recently intensified after the Wike-backed NWC announced the dissolution of state executives in several states, including Lagos.
On 24 December 2025, the faction inaugurated a 19-member State Caretaker Committee for Lagos State. The Wike-aligned NWC is led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
Speaking at the ceremony held in Ikeja, Mr Adedeji Doherty, Deputy National Secretary of the factional NWC and representative of the National Chairman, stressed that rebuilding the party must begin from the grassroots. Doherty, a former Lagos PDP Chairman and governorship candidate, directed the state CTCs to strengthen party structures at local government, ward, and zonal levels.
“This is a special work and call. We have chosen you, and you will also select others to take the party structures to every ward and zone. This is different from previous elections. We want all of you to work hard and achieve results. The work ahead is special; we must not take it lightly,” he said.
Doherty instructed the committees to commence PDP membership registration and revalidation across all wards and zones. He noted that the caretaker committees would operate for 60 days before proper party congresses are conducted, urging members to diligently carry out their mandates.
Assuring committee members of continued relevance after the congresses, Doherty said, “You will continue to exist and be reckoned with in all decision-making, even after the congress. The issue of use and dump will not arise.” He also directed the committees to reconstitute the PDP women and youth wings and to form five-member Elders Unity Forums in each LGA to provide guidance, prayers, and reconciliation. Party membership and voter cards were reaffirmed as mandatory for participation in meetings and access to party benefits.
In his opening remarks, State CTC Chairman Mr Kayode Ogunbiyi urged the LGA committees to reconnect with grassroots supporters. “We need to stand well so that we will not fall. We trust you; we should not act against the law,” he said, describing the assignment as a rare opportunity to revive the party.
Former House of Representatives member Tajudeen Obasa expressed confidence that the PDP would overcome its challenges and participate fully in the 2027 general elections. “The PDP remains a strong party. We are not leaving. There is hope, and we will contest and win elections in 2027 at all levels,” he said.
The event was attended by members of the factional state CTC and former state executive members loyal to the group, including former State Secretary Mr Soji Orioye and former PDP State Vice Chairman (Central) Mr Hakeem Olalemi.
