- Makinde insisted the faction’s actions were legitimate and vowed that his camp would continue its political struggle
- the Wike-backed faction insisted that its leadership under Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu remains intact
A factional National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the formation of a 13-member caretaker leadership headed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Tanimu Turaki, as chairman.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the decision was taken on Monday during what the group described as its 103rd NEC meeting held in Abuja.
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The motion for the committee’s establishment was moved by Edo PDP chairman Tony Aziegbemi and seconded by Clement Fagboyede. Former Oyo deputy governor, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, was named secretary of the interim structure.
Other members include Hamza Akuyam Koshe, Daniel Woyenikuro, Richard Ihediwa, Isa Abubakar, Okechekwu Daniel, Theophilus Shan, Ini Ememobong, Adewale Idowu, Bara’u Shafi, Anthonia Chinenyenwa, and Umar Dan Aji.
Speaking after the meeting, Makinde insisted the faction’s actions were legitimate and vowed that his camp would continue its political struggle, stressing that the gathering met constitutional requirements.
However, the rival camp of the PDP linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rejected the meeting, describing it as illegal and without authority. It also dismissed the announcement of a caretaker leadership as invalid.
Tensions within the party intensified following a recent Supreme Court ruling that nullified a previous PDP national convention held in Ibadan, which had produced the Turaki-led structure. The court held that the exercise violated existing restraining orders.
In response, the Makinde-aligned Board of Trustees, led by Adolphus Wabara, argued that the party was facing a leadership vacuum and moved to intervene to stabilise its operations. The BoT also called for reconciliation and directed staff to resume duties.
But the Wike-backed faction insisted that its leadership under Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu remains intact, rejecting any claim of an interim arrangement.
Following the NEC meeting, the Makinde group also held a separate NWC session where it approved fees for nomination forms ahead of the 2027 elections, including N100 million for the presidential ticket and N40 million for governorship aspirants.
It also released a timetable for party primaries, screening, appeals, and ratification of candidates, with processes stretching from May 5 to May 30, 2026. Discounts were announced for female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, the rival PDP camp maintained that its own nomination sales had already begun and dismissed the rival timetable as irrelevant.
As the internal dispute deepens, both factions continue to claim legitimacy, with each insisting it represents the authentic leadership of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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