Leadership Change in PDP: A New Board of Trustees
The faction of the People Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, which is aligned with the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a significant step by inaugurating a new Board of Trustees (BoT) for the party. This move comes as part of efforts to restore the party’s core values and rebuild public confidence.
The inauguration took place on Friday at the official residence of the FCT minister in Abuja. The event marked the appointment of Mao Ohabunwa, a former presidential candidate, as the chairman of the BoT. Additionally, Isah Dansidi was named as the secretary of the board.
Abdulrahman emphasized that the establishment of the new BoT is aimed at reviving the true essence of the PDP and regaining the trust of the Nigerian people. He highlighted that the previous BoT, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, which is loyal to the Umar Damagun faction, had lost its moral balance.
He also mentioned that Wabara has been suspended by the Abia State chapter of the PDP. According to Abdulrahman, this suspension was a difficult but necessary decision.
“We have come together not merely to inaugurate a new board of trustees but to renew our faith in the ideals that gave birth to this great political family — justice, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law,” he said during the event at Nyesom Wike’s residence.
Addressing Past Failures
Abdulrahman reflected on the challenges faced by the party over the years. He pointed out that the decay within the PDP did not begin recently but started when the principle of zoning was abandoned before the 2015 elections. He added that ambition began to overshadow equity, and the voices of reason within the party were ignored.
“This vacuum of moral guidance was further compounded by the actions of the then suspended National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, whose leadership regrettably chose convenience over the constitution and personal loyalty over the rule of law,” he stated.
Instead of enforcing valid judicial pronouncements and respecting the authority of the courts, the previous administration often preferred to protect individuals who had clearly violated the rules of the party. This trend weakened the party’s moral standing and pushed it to a point of deep internal disillusionment.
A New Era for the PDP
Abdulrahman stressed that when any political party begins to disregard its own constitution and laws, it loses the very soul that holds it together. He explained that this painful reality led three concerned members and leaders of conscience to seek judicial redress.
“Their decision was not borne out of anger or ambition, but out of love for the PDP and concern for its survival,” he said.
The new Board of Trustees, according to Abdulrahman, symbolizes a rebirth and a collective decision to return the PDP to its moral center. He described the BoT as the conscience and compass of the party, offering guidance with courage, wisdom, and impartiality.
“To the new members of the BoT, this is not a reward for loyalty; it is a sacred trust. The responsibility before you is enormous to speak truth to power, to defend justice, and to ensure that the PDP remains a home for all Nigerians.”
Factional Tensions and Future Steps
The Abdulrahman faction of the party broke away from the Damagun faction over issues related to the National Convention of the party scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
This leadership change marks a pivotal moment for the PDP as it seeks to address internal conflicts and reorient itself towards its foundational principles. The new BoT will play a crucial role in guiding the party through these challenging times and ensuring its continued relevance in Nigerian politics.