A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde has set up an Interim National Working Committee (INWC) to manage the party’s affairs amid ongoing leadership tensions.
The new 13-member committee, led by Senior Advocate Kabiru Tanimu Turaki with Taofeek Arapaja as secretary, was unveiled at the faction’s 103rd NEC meeting held in Abuja on Monday.
The decision followed a motion moved by Anthony Aziegbemi and seconded by Clement Faboyede during the meeting.
BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, who presided over the session, said the move was taken to prevent a leadership vacuum after what he described as a Supreme Court ruling affecting the party’s structure.
He said the Board of Trustees had taken temporary control of the party’s administration following consultations with stakeholders and claimed that a two-thirds majority of NEC members backed the meeting.
Mr Wabara also said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been notified in line with legal requirements.
He urged the newly appointed interim leadership to prioritise unity, reconciliation and transparency, stressing the need to rebuild the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Makinde said the faction’s NEC structure was valid and insisted the interim leadership was legally constituted, describing the development as part of efforts to defend democratic plurality.
He expressed confidence that the party had the capacity to overcome its internal challenges and recover politically.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Turaki said the committee would work to ensure the PDP presents candidates for all elective positions and ultimately wins the 2027 general elections.
He urged party members to remain committed, adding that despite current difficulties, the PDP would regain its strength through unity and determination.
