The 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Makinde-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a 13-member Interim National Working Committee (INWC) to steer the affairs of the party following the Supreme Court judgement that nullified the previously elected National Working Committee.
The decision, backed by stakeholders aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, comes amid efforts to stabilise the party after the court invalidated the NWC that emerged from the Ibadan convention.
Addressing members at the meeting, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees and Protem Chairman of NEC, Adolphus Wabara, described the gathering as a defining moment for the party. “This meeting is significant in the life of our party as it underscores the resilience and capacity of the PDP to triumph over seemingly impossible situations,” Wabara said.
He explained that the Board of Trustees assumed administrative leadership of the party in line with the PDP Constitution following the April 30, 2026, Supreme Court judgement.
“The decision of the Board of Trustees was to avoid a leadership vacuum after the Supreme Court stripped the PDP of a National Working Committee,” he stated.
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Wabara noted that the ruling invalidated both the 2025 National Convention that produced the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led NWC and the earlier contentious convention in Abuja.
“As we set a new course today, I call on all genuine and loyal members of the PDP to set aside personal interests and come together for the greater good,” he urged.
He charged members of the Interim National Working Committee to focus on unity and rebuilding the party.
“You must be ready to make sacrifices, foster genuine reconciliation, and ensure that the PDP returns to its winning ways,” Wabara added.
In his remarks, Governor Makinde of Oyo State acknowledged the party’s challenges but expressed confidence in its future.
“We are going through our darkest moment right now because the day is about to break for a new order,” Makinde said.
He reassured party members of their capacity to overcome the crisis.
“Do we have the capacity to rise above these challenges? Absolutely. I have no doubt,” he stated.
Makinde also pledged support for the interim leadership.
“We will give all our support to the Interim National Working Committee to reposition this party,” he said.
Responding to questions from journalists, the governor insisted that the NEC meeting was lawful.
“Yes, it is legally constituted. We had in attendance two-thirds of NEC members as required by our constitution,” he affirmed.
He also raised concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“It is concerning that a national institution could act without the certified true copy of a judgement. That is not how a professionally run organisation should operate,” Makinde said.
Makinde called on INEC to uphold democratic principles.
“We will write to them and expect that they do their job and allow the democratic space to accommodate opposition,” he added.
