The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under Abdulrahman Mohammad, has rejected claims about a supposed 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the emergence of a caretaker committee led by Taminu Turaki, describing the move as illegitimate and misleading.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party said it had taken note of claims by a group led by Adolphus Wabara and Turaki regarding the meeting and the formation of an interim leadership structure.
“The PDP wishes to categorically state that no such meeting was convened by the leadership of the party. Consequently, any resolutions, announcements, or claims emanating from that gathering are null, void, and of no effect,” it stated.
The Mohammad-led faction, which is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, criticised what it described as inconsistencies by those behind the meeting, noting that individuals who had earlier opposed a caretaker committee were now claiming to have set one up.
The party also raised legal concerns, pointing to failure to comply with statutory requirements, particularly the mandatory notice to the electoral body.
“Even if, for the sake of argument, they possessed the legal authority to convene such a meeting (which they do not), they have once again failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
“Specifically, the mandatory requirement to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a minimum of 21 days’ notice for such a meeting was blatantly ignored. There is no evidence of compliance, nor was INEC in attendance as required by law. This alone renders their actions null and void,” it said.
The party further questioned the involvement of Senator Wabara, citing internal disciplinary issues and arguing that he lacks the constitutional authority to assume any leadership role.
It also clarified that the Board of Trustees serves only an advisory role and does not possess executive powers.
Expressing concern over the involvement of legal practitioners, the PDP called on relevant regulatory bodies to review the conduct of those involved, particularly members of the senior bar.
The party described the situation as part of ongoing attempts to create confusion within its ranks and urged the public and stakeholders to ignore the meeting.
“We therefore call on all party members, stakeholders, and the general public to completely disregard this illegitimate assembly and its outcomes. It has no constitutional basis, no legal standing, and no binding authority whatsoever.
“The PDP remains committed to upholding its constitution, the rule of law, and democratic principles under the able leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammad and Senator Samuel N. Anyawu,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Wabara-led group had earlier announced a 13-member interim National Working Committee following a NEC meeting held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, citing a leadership vacuum after a Supreme Court ruling.
The committee is led by Taminu Turaki.