PDP FACTION DISSOLVES NWC, INAUGURATES CARETAKER COMMITTEE AT WIKE’S RESIDENCE

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and inaugurated a 13-member caretaker committee to steer the affairs of the party for the next 60 days.

The caretaker panel was inaugurated on Sunday during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held at the residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja.

According to the faction, the interim committee will oversee the party’s operations pending the conduct of a national convention. Abdulrahman Mohammed was named as chairman of the caretaker committee, while Samuel Anyanwu will serve as secretary. Other members include Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser), Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), Kyari Grema, Janguda Mohammed, Okechukwu Osuana, Nwogu Olaka, Sandy Onor, Adenike Ogunse and Bisi Kola.

The development comes amid deepening crisis within the PDP, following the expulsion of Wike and his allies by the rival faction loyal to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Those earlier expelled include former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; Samuel Anyanwu; Umar Bature; Kamaldeen Ajibade; Mao Ohuabunwa, a former lawmaker; Austin Nwachukwu, former Imo State PDP chairman; Amah Nnanna Abraham, former Abia State PDP chairman; Dan Orbih, former National Vice-Chairman (South-South); and Turnah George.

However, the Wike-led group rejected the expulsions and, in response, announced the formation of a parallel NWC, Board of Trustees (BoT) and NEC. In a further tit-for-tat move, the Wike faction also expelled key members of the Makinde-led group, including Wole, Deji Doherty and Ibrahim Aboki.

The crisis has intensified as the tenure of the PDP NWC elected in October 2021 is scheduled to expire on Tuesday.

Last month, another faction of the party, backed by PDP governors including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, held a separate convention and elected a new NWC, with Kabiru Turaki emerging as national chairman.

The multiple parallel structures now threatening the PDP have raised concerns over the party’s stability ahead of future electoral contests.