The National Caretaker Committee of the PDP aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reacted positively to a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Ibadan. The ruling invalidated the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan in November 2025 and restrained Kabiru Turaki and others from presenting themselves as national officers of the party.
The caretaker committee, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, said the judgment confirmed that party leadership must follow the PDP constitution, existing laws, and valid court decisions. It stated that authority within the party cannot come from disputed conventions or actions taken outside due process.
The Federal High Court ruled that the caretaker committee headed by Mohammed, alongside Senator Samuel Anyanwu, remains the recognised leadership of the PDP until a proper national convention is conducted. This decision followed weeks of internal disputes after the Ibadan convention, which had been backed by PDP governors and produced Turaki and other officials for a four-year term.
Despite the governors’ support for the convention and the transition from former chairman Umar Damagum, the Wike-aligned group had earlier formed a 13-member caretaker committee in December 2025 with a 60-day mandate. This move deepened the leadership crisis, leading to rival claims and multiple court cases.
Both factions sought recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission, but the commission declined to recognise either group, citing the unresolved legal disputes. The situation prompted further court actions as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Following the judgment, the Turaki-led faction announced plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal. However, the Wike-backed committee said it was satisfied with the decision and urged party members to remain calm, lawful, and committed to rebuilding unity within the PDP.
The group also called on aggrieved members to work toward reconciliation and internal peace, noting that cooperation within the party would strengthen its structure and refocus attention on future electoral goals. It added that ongoing legal matters should be allowed to proceed without interference as the courts continue to handle the dispute.