The National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the judgment of the Court of Appeal which affirmed its authority to manage the party’s affairs, while also stepping up preparations for the party’s national convention and plans to return to its national headquarters, Wadata Plaza.
Following the court’s decision, prominent party figures including former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan urged members of the party to set aside their differences and unite behind the ruling.
They encouraged party stakeholders to embrace reconciliation and work together as the PDP prepares for a new national convention that will fully comply with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Despite the move towards unity, a faction aligned with former Minister of Special Duties Kabir Turaki maintained that any reconciliation effort must be guided by principles that protect the party’s independence and strengthen its position as a credible opposition force.
Meanwhile, several top party leaders, including Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Tanimu Turaki, and acting national chairman Umar Damagum, attended an emergency meeting of the PDP Board of Trustees held at the residence of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
Speaking during a meeting of the caretaker committee in Abuja, its chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, described the appellate court ruling as a significant victory for both the party and the rule of law.
He explained that the court ruled in favour of the committee in nine separate appeals, confirming that the caretaker body remains the only legally recognised leadership of the PDP.
Mohammed expressed appreciation to party members, leaders and legal representatives for their commitment and support throughout the legal battle.
He stressed that the caretaker committee remains the legitimate body responsible for organising party activities, including the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also urged party leaders and supporters to rally behind the committee in efforts to rebuild and reposition the PDP for future elections. Additionally, he warned members against misinformation circulating on social media, noting that some individuals were misinterpreting the implications of the court’s decision.
Reacting to the ruling, Saraki described it as an opportunity for the party to reflect and move forward, urging leaders to see the verdict as the end of internal legal battles.
He pointed out that with INEC’s revised electoral timetable, prolonging the dispute could affect the party’s ability to meet deadlines for candidate nominations and potentially create uncertainty over the validity of tickets issued under the PDP platform.
Saraki warned that allowing personal disputes to continue could undermine the aspirations of loyal party members who hope to contest elections under the PDP banner.
Similarly, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said the court’s decision provides a chance for the party to move past internal conflicts and focus on rebuilding its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She emphasised that ongoing disputes and litigation could weaken the party’s ability to present itself as a strong political platform for aspiring candidates across the country.
According to her, the PDP must now prioritise internal democracy, rebuild trust among members and position itself as a credible alternative for Nigerians.
During the meeting in Abuja, Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara also described the court ruling as a fresh opportunity for the PDP to begin a new chapter.
Other party leaders present included former Deputy National Chairman Bode George, former Information Minister Jerry Gana and former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu.
Earlier, the caretaker committee linked to the Turaki faction also welcomed the appellate court decision, describing it as a confirmation of their leadership position.
The committee reaffirmed plans to proceed with the party’s national convention scheduled for later this month.
Its spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, told journalists after an expanded meeting of the Board of Trustees that discussions aimed at reconciling party stakeholders were ongoing.
He added that party leaders are determined to ensure the PDP remains a strong political platform and continues to play an active role in Nigeria’s democratic process.
