The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on Sunday as a faction loyal to former Rivers State governor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced the dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the constitution of a 13-member National Caretaker Committee.
The move followed the expiration of the tenure of the existing NWC, which ended on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. The decision was reached at the 104th meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held in Abuja on Sunday, December 7.
According to the faction, the NEC resolved that a caretaker structure was necessary to prevent a leadership vacuum and restore internal order in the party pending the conduct of a fresh national convention.
Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed was named Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, while Senator Samuel Anyanwu was appointed Secretary.
Other members of the committee include Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Umar M. Bature, Dr. Kyari Grema, Hon. Janguda Haruna Mohammed, Barr. Okechukwu Osuana, Senator Nwogu Olaka, Senator Sandy Onor, Prof. Adenike Ogunse, Hon. Bisi Kolawole, Engr. Deji Doherty, and Dr. Ibrahim Bala Aboki.
The committee has been mandated to oversee the affairs of the party for 60 days. During this period, it is expected to conduct all outstanding ward, local government and state congresses, reconcile aggrieved members, and organise a national convention to elect a substantive National Working Committee.
However, the development further exposes the deepening rift within the PDP. Another faction of the party recently held a national convention in Ibadan, where a separate NWC was reportedly elected — a move rejected by the Wike-aligned bloc, which described the meeting as illegal and unconstitutional.
The parallel leadership structures have heightened fears over the party’s unity ahead of future elections, with analysts warning that prolonged internal strife could weaken the PDP’s chances as a major opposition force.
As of now, it remains unclear which faction will gain wider recognition from party members, the courts, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), setting the stage for further political and legal battles within Nigeria’s main opposition party.