…vows return to core values
FAVOUR ISHEMBER, Abuja
At a ceremony held on Friday at the official residence of the Federal Capital Territory Minister in Lifecamp, Abuja, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad, declared the inauguration of the party’s new Board of Trustees (BoT) a “significant turning point” for the organization.
Speaking to party members and guests, Muhammad traced the PDP’s origins as a “national movement” built on justice, fairness, inclusivity and respect for the rule of law.
He warned that recent internal disputes, leadership lapses and disregard for the party constitution had eroded the PDP’s moral standing and pushed it to the brink of division.
He recalled that the previous BoT, chaired by Senator Adolphus Wabara, was suspended by the PDP’s Abia State chapter after being accused of “anti‑party activities.”
The suspension, Muhammad said, exposed a loss of moral balance and rendered the board “divided and ineffective.”
He also criticized former suspended National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum, accusing him of placing “convenience over the constitution and personal loyalty over the rule of law.”
The acting chairman noted that three party members, motivated by “love for the PDP and concern for its survival,” sought judicial redress, filing a case titled -“Why We Went to Court: The Struggle to Save PDP from Itself.”_ Quoting the filing, he said the litigants acted “not to destroy, but to redeem; not to divide, but to heal.”
Muhammad welcomed a recent Federal High Court judgment, describing it as “a reminder that no institution is greater than the law” and a wake‑up call to return to the party’s roots.
He said the new BoT “is not just a statutory organ – it is a symbol of rebirth,” tasked with serving as the party’s “conscience and compass.”
Addressing the newly installed trustees, he warned that their role is “a sacred trust” requiring them to “speak truth to power, defend justice, and ensure the PDP remains a home for all Nigerians.”
He urged them to lead with unity, fairness and impartiality.
The chairman also reflected on past missteps, including the abandonment of the party’s zoning principle before the 2015 elections and the prioritization of ambition over equity.
“The decay we are correcting today did not start yesterday,” he said, adding that the PDP has been given a “second chance” to rebuild with transparency, respect for court rulings and fair internal processes.
Muhammad pledged that under the new leadership the PDP would “never again be held hostage by impunity, manipulation, or disregard for its own constitution.”
Pp He called for reforms to prevent “lawlessness” and urged party members to embrace an era where “conscience leads, unity replaces division, and respect for the rule of law becomes our political culture.”
The inauguration marks the latest step in the PDP’s effort to restore public trust and reclaim its position as a leading voice in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
In a passionate appeal delivered at the inauguration of the party’s new Board of Trustees on Friday, one of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) founding fathers, Jim Nwobodo, called on the leadership to preserve the party’s “family spirit” and to form a strong reconciliation committee to bring together aggrieved members.
Speaking at the official residence of the FCT Minister in Lifecamp, Nwobodo, the oldest member of the PDP present, said the party was “a family where every member has a sense of belonging.” He warned that “husband and wife may quarrel but we must reunite,” likening the PDP to South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) and stressing that peace must return to the party.
The veteran politician urged the leadership, especially Acting National Chairman Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to reach out to “aggressive members who are willing” to abide by the party’s constitution and ideology.
“We should constitute a strong reconciliation committee to bring aggressive members together,” he said, adding that many former PDP members who have joined other parties are willing to return.
Nwobodo recounted that several members have already contacted him, and he assured them that the party leadership would reach out with “open arms.” He praised Wike’s efforts, saying, “Honourable Minister, they need your help. We know what you can do when you mean and determine to work.”
Reflecting on his personal experience, Nwobodo said he returned to Abuja after two years in Enugu and “could not recognize Abuja; it had changed.” He urged the party to apply the same energy to rebuilding the PDP, noting that “if you put that same effort into this party, PDP will be the party to beat.”
He concluded with a plea to the new leadership: “Do not be deterred and do not be discouraged. I wish you all the best of luck in your effort to restore this once formidable party, so that the labours of the founding fathers, most of whom are no longer with us, will not be in vain.”
The remarks come as the PDP seeks to heal internal divisions following recent leadership disputes and a Federal High Court judgment that prompted the inauguration of a new Board of Trustees. The party’s leadership has pledged to restore transparency, respect for the rule of law and internal democracy.
While extending their sincere appreciation to the to out going Chairman and Secretary of PDP BOT,
Sen.Mao Arukwe Ohuabunwa, deliberated on recent party developments, especially the landmark Federal High Court judgment of October 31, 2025, and the upcoming National Convention.
The newly reconstituted Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , Sen.
Mao Arukwe Ohuabunwa
deliberated on recent party developments, especially the landmark Federal High Court judgment of October 31, 2025, and the upcoming National Convention.
In its first inaugural meeting, the chairman
Reaffirmated the Party unity, adding that the PDP remains an indivisible, united and democratic family committed to justice, equity and progress, upholding its founding ethos.
He stressed that all party organs and officials must immediately comply with the Federal High Court’s ruling. The Board praised the judiciary for upholding the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines and the PDP constitution.
The BoT supports a credible, transparent and inclusive National Convention, provided all pre‑convention processes follow constitutional requirements and the Federal High Court judgment. It stressed that any action in contempt of court would render outcomes null and void. Because the Federal High Court judgment is under appeal, the convention will be postponed until the Court of Appeal issues its decision.
The Board pledged to act as the party’s conscience and moral compass, promoting fairness, justice, internal harmony, inclusivity and mediation among stakeholders.
The outgoing chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and secretary, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, stepped down to preserve the BoT’s neutrality. The Board elected Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (South) as chairman and Hon. Isah Dansidi (North) as secretary. It thanked the former officers for their service and wished them well.
The BoT commended members for their resilience and called for continued maturity, mutual respect and unity.
The Board reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, inclusiveness and respect for the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines and the PDP constitution, asserting that adherence to these principles is essential for the party’s role as a democratic beacon.
In conclusion, the BoT urged PDP leaders, members and supporters at home and abroad to close ranks.
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