Wabara-led PDP BoT Rejects Appeal Court Ruling, Seeks Reconciliation

The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, has rejected the Court of Appeal ruling that voided the November 2025 national convention of the Turaki-led faction of the party, the BoT announced on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Abuja.

The decision came amid a heated National Executive Committee meeting convened by the Abdulrahman Mohammed faction in Abuja, where Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reaffirmed his camp’s control over the party machinery while signalling openness to genuine reconciliation.

Wike emphasised that any reconciliation must occur transparently and under his faction’s leadership.

He warned against clandestine negotiations and dismissed accusations linking his role in the APC-led administration to disloyalty.

He reiterated that the party’s upcoming National Convention logistics were finalised and rejected suggestions of forming a new caretaker committee to appease dissenting members.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro and House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda advocated for a middle ground, stressing the survival of the PDP over individual ambitions.

Chinda described the Appeal Court judgment as a lifeline for both the party and Nigerian democracy, promising that members would return to the platform as unity efforts progressed.

Meanwhile, the Wabara-led BoT issued a communique expressing concern over ongoing leadership disputes and their damaging effect on the party’s unity.

While rejecting the Appeal Court verdict, the BoT acknowledged the court’s provision for reconciliation and pledged to explore it.

“The Board is resolved to take immediate steps to reconcile all stakeholders, put an end to all disputes, and restore the party to good political health, particularly to enable the PDP field candidates in the 2027 general elections,” Wabara stated.

“We call on all leaders and members of our party to jettison personal and group interests and come together as one family in the overall interest of our Party and the well-being of millions of Nigerians whose hopes are anchored on the PDP.”

The development sets the stage for high-stakes negotiations within Nigeria’s main opposition party, as both factions seek to solidify control ahead of the 2027 general elections.