Senatorial District, Mao Ohuabunwa, has been named the factional Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the dissolution of the Adolphus Wabara-led board by a faction loyal to the party’s Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad.
The development was announced in a communiqué issued on Friday after the inaugural and emergency meeting of the newly reconstituted BoT held in Abuja.
According to the communiqué, the new BoT also elected Isah Dansidi as Secretary, replacing Senator Ahmed Makarfi.
The statement explained that both Wabara and Makarfi could no longer serve in their previous roles “having publicly taken positions in the ongoing intra-party crisis,” a move the board said compromised “the neutrality and moral authority expected of the BoT.”
“Accordingly, the board unanimously approved the election of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Hon. Isah Dansidi as the Chairman and Secretary of the newly constituted Board of Trustees, respectively,” the communiqué read.
The board reaffirmed the PDP’s unity, describing it as “one indivisible, united, and democratic family firmly committed to the ideals of justice, equity, and progress.”
It further recognised the authority of all legally constituted organs of the party and commended the judiciary for upholding the supremacy of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, the INEC Guidelines, and the PDP Constitution.
The BoT instructed all party organs and officers to ensure “full and immediate compliance” with the October 31 judgment of the Federal High Court, which nullified some actions taken by the previous leadership.
On the proposed national convention, the BoT backed its postponement pending the decision of the Court of Appeal on the ongoing case.
“The judgment of the Federal High Court remains superior and weightier in law than the interim order of the Oyo State High Court. Prudence and respect for judicial processes demand that the proposed National Convention be postponed until the Court of Appeal delivers its decision,” the communiqué stated.
The board also warned that no organ of the party should act “in contempt of court, or outside constitutional provisions,” adding that any such action would be null and void.
They pledged to serve as the “conscience and stabilising moral compass of the party,” committed to mediating among stakeholders, promoting inclusivity, and preventing divisive tendencies that could threaten unity.
Meanwhile, elder statesman and PDP founding member Jim Nwobodo urged the BoT to ensure that the PDP “remains the beacon of democracy in Nigeria,” and called on them to reconcile with aggrieved members.
“As one of the founding fathers and the oldest member of this family present here today, I know that the PDP is a family, and a party where every member has a sense of belonging.
“My appeal, therefore, to all of you, and in particular the leadership of our party, is to ensure that the PDP remains the beacon of democracy in Nigeria. The PDP is like the ANC of South Africa. Do all you can to bring about peace in our party.
“Reach out to aggrieved members who are willing to abide by the party’s Constitution and the ideology of the party to come back to the family, where they belong. Most members of the other parties in Nigeria were once PDP members. PDP is the mother party.
“The PDP formed the foundation of democracy in this fourth republic. I once again appeal to you to constitute a strong reconciliation committee to reach out to members. I know many of our members are willing to come back,” he said.
Nwobodo also appealed to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to assist the BoT in strengthening the party, saying, “Honourable minister, Wike, they need your help. We know what you can do when you mean it and are determined to work. I entered Abuja after two years of being in Enugu, and I could not recognise Abuja. Abuja had changed. Abuja is no longer the Abuja I knew when I lived here.
“If you put that same effort into this party, the PDP will be the party to beat. It will not be easy, but no good thing comes easy. Don’t be deterred and don’t be discouraged,” Nwobodo added.
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