The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faced escalating internal conflicts on Thursday. Nyesom Wike-backed caretaker leaders dissolved executives across 14 state chapters. They announced plans for fresh congresses scheduled for January 2026.

The committee affirmed Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as legitimate leaders. They serve as Acting National Chairman and Secretary respectively. Their position was formalized in a communiqué issued after Thursday’s Abuja meeting.

Deepening PDP Leadership Crisis

This development intensifies disagreements following November’s Ibadan convention. That gathering endorsed Tanimu Turaki’s National Working Committee. However, the Wike faction maintains Abdulrahman and Anyanwu hold valid authority.

Despite the governors’ support for Turaki’s transition, the faction proceeded differently. On December 8, they appointed a 60-day caretaker committee. This group was tasked with conducting overdue congresses.

Dissolved State Chapters

The affected state executives include Borno, Bauchi, Oyo, and Zamfara. Also dissolved were chapters in Yobe, Ekiti, Bayelsa, and Enugu. Ebonyi, Anambra, Delta, Taraba, Kano, and Lagos complete the list.

Acting Publicity Secretary Haruna Jungun emphasized unity claims. “The PDP remains strong and indivisible,” he stated. He declared Abdulrahman’s leadership as the party’s only legitimate structure.

Committee Actions and Warnings

The caretaker committee cautioned members against damaging the party’s image. It dismissed reports of INEC recognizing Turaki’s leadership. Jungun challenged Turaki to provide evidence of INEC portal registration.

Portfolios were assigned to key committee members. Adenike Ogunse becomes Women Leader. Deji Dohati serves as Deputy National Secretary. Olaka Ogunwu handles Treasurer and Publicity roles.

The communiqué confirmed January 2026 congress dates. State-level gatherings will commence on January 9th. A national convention will follow these congresses.

Leadership Legitimacy Claims

Abdulrahman defended the committee’s constitutional validity. He asserted alignment with Nigeria’s laws and party regulations. “We have only one PDP under my leadership,” he declared.