The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Abdulrahman Mohammad, has rejected claims surrounding a reported 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the announcement of a caretaker leadership structure headed by Taminu Turaki, describing both developments as invalid and misleading.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party said it had no knowledge of or involvement in any such NEC meeting, stressing that any resolutions or decisions emerging from the gathering are unconstitutional and have no legal effect.
The faction loyal to Mohammad, which is reportedly supported by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, also accused the organisers of inconsistency, noting that some individuals who previously opposed the idea of a caretaker arrangement are now claiming to have formed one.
The party further argued that even if such a meeting had taken place, it failed to comply with statutory requirements, particularly the mandatory 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and alleged that INEC was neither notified nor present.
It maintained that this non-compliance renders any outcome from the meeting null and void under the relevant provisions of electoral law.
The PDP also questioned the authority of some individuals involved, including Senator Adolphus Wabara, citing internal party disciplinary issues and insisting that he lacks the constitutional standing to assume leadership roles within the party structure. It also reaffirmed that the Board of Trustees remains strictly advisory without executive powers.
Expressing concern over what it described as ongoing attempts to destabilise the party, the faction urged regulatory bodies to examine the conduct of those involved and called on party members and the public to disregard the alleged caretaker arrangement.
It reaffirmed its commitment to party constitutionality, the rule of law, and democratic principles under the leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammad and Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
However, the opposing faction led by Taminu Turaki and Adolphus Wabara had earlier announced the formation of a 13-member interim National Working Committee, following a NEC meeting held in Abuja, claiming the move was necessary to address a leadership vacuum within the party.
