Supreme Court Ruling Throws PDP Into Crisis, BoT Steps In

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally assumed control of the party’s national leadership following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria that invalidated recent party conventions.

In a statement issued on Thursday, April 30, 2026, and signed by BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, the body said its decision was in line with the party’s constitution to prevent a leadership vacuum.

The apex court nullified the PDP’s National Convention held between November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Ibadan, which produced the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

In addition, the court upheld the suspension of key party officials, including Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), and Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser).

The BoT noted that the ruling renders all actions taken by the affected officials invalid, including the appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman, the formation of a caretaker committee, and the outcomes of the March 29, 2026 convention held in Abuja.

According to the statement, the nullification of both leadership structures effectively places the responsibility of managing the party on the BoT, described as the second-highest organ of the PDP under its constitution.

“The Board of Trustees hereby assumes responsibility of the national leadership of the party as an immediate constitutional remedial step to stabilize and reposition the PDP,” the statement read.

The BoT also announced plans to convene an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to appoint an interim National Working Committee that will oversee party affairs and prepare for the 2027 general elections.

Party staff have been directed to resume duties at the national secretariat under the BoT’s supervision pending the formation of the interim leadership.

The BoT commended party leaders, including governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, as well as other stakeholders, for their resilience during the crisis.

It also called on members to set aside personal interests and unite in order to rebuild the party and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.