Makinde, Bala Mohammed, PDP Leaders Hold Emergency BoT Meeting in Abuja After Appeal Court Ruling

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gathered in Abuja for an emergency meeting of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) following a recent court ruling that has intensified the ongoing leadership crisis within the opposition party.

The meeting took place on Tuesday at the official lodge of Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, and was attended by several influential members of the party.

Key PDP Figures in Attendance

Among the prominent PDP leaders present were Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, and Tanimu Turaki, who leads one of the factions currently claiming leadership within the party.

Other key figures at the meeting included acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, former PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George, former Information Minister Jerry Gana, and former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu.

The emergency meeting was chaired by Adolphus Wabara, a former Senate President who currently serves as the chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees.

Appeal Court Judgment Sparks Meeting

The gathering was convened in response to a ruling by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, which upheld an earlier decision by the Federal High Court restraining the PDP from conducting its planned national convention.

The court dismissed an appeal filed by the faction led by Turaki, which had sought to overturn the earlier judgment.

The legal dispute stems from internal disagreements over party leadership following a controversial convention held in Ibadan last year, where members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were elected.

Wabara: A Chance for the Party to Reset

While addressing members at the meeting, Wabara described the court ruling as an opportunity for the PDP to reflect and possibly reposition itself.

He suggested that the decision could mark the beginning of a new phase for the party as it seeks to overcome its internal divisions.

According to him, the situation provides a chance for party leaders to strengthen unity and chart a clearer direction for the future.

Turaki Faction Reacts

Earlier in the day, the caretaker committee led by Turaki held a press briefing where it welcomed aspects of the court’s decision, interpreting it as a form of validation for its leadership structure.

Despite the setback in the appeal, the faction indicated that preparations for a national convention scheduled later this month would continue.

However, the group also confirmed that its legal team would immediately approach the Supreme Court of Nigeria to challenge the ruling delivered by the Court of Appeal.

PDP Faces Internal Challenges

The PDP has faced persistent internal disputes in recent years, with disagreements over leadership, party structure, and strategy continuing to affect the organisation.

Political analysts say the latest legal developments could further shape the party’s internal dynamics as it prepares for future elections.

With prominent governors and senior party members involved in discussions, the outcome of these meetings and legal battles may determine how effectively the PDP reorganises itself in the coming months.

For now, party leaders appear focused on finding a path forward while navigating the legal and political challenges confronting one of Nigeria’s largest opposition parties.