The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, says the committee remains the only legally recognised national leadership of the party, following a recent favourable judgment by the Court of Appeal.
Speaking during a meeting of the Committee, Mohammed welcomed members and thanked party leaders and supporters for their commitment to the party.
“I want to warmly welcome you to this very important meeting of the National Caretaker Committee, coming after yesterday’s judgment of the Court of Appeal,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to party members for their support, labour and steadfastness, and also congratulated members on the successful conduct of ward and local government congresses in affected states, noting that preparations were ongoing for the state congresses.
Mohammed also thanked party leaders for the opportunity given to the caretaker committee under his leadership to steer the affairs of the party.
According to him, the Court of Appeal delivered judgments on nine appeals, all in favour of the committee.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate our legal teams, party leaders, members and supporters for their encouragement, guidance and prayers,” he said.
He emphasised that the National Caretaker Working Committee remains the only legitimate national leadership recognised by both the law and the party.
“The National Caretaker Working Committee is the only legitimate body that can present candidates in the build-up to the 2027 general elections,” Mohammed said, urging stakeholders and party supporters to rally around the committee as preparations begin for the polls.
He added that the judgment once again reaffirmed the supremacy of the rule of law in the party’s internal affairs.
Appeal Court Judgement
While cautioning members against misinformation circulating on social media, Mohammed said party members must be properly informed about the details of the Appeal Court’s decision.
“As we know, some propagandists and enemies of the party are spreading speculation on social media to discredit the court’s pronouncement. We must ensure that the correct information is communicated to our members so they are not misled,” he stated.
While calling for unity, he said the party would wait for the Certified True Copy of the judgment to study the ruling and prepare for any possible legal proceedings at the Supreme Court.
“I want to call on all party stakeholders, leaders and members to unite for the betterment of our great party and avoid unnecessary litigations that could delay our activities ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.
He urged members of the caretaker committee to continue working tirelessly to deliver on their mandate and to contribute ideas that would strengthen the party.
Plans for National Convention
Meanwhile, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, has said preparations are underway for the party’s national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30 in Abuja.
Mohammed made this known while inspecting the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, the proposed venue for the convention.
“You can see for yourself, and that is why we are here this afternoon, to inspect the venue of the national convention coming up on the 29th and 30th of March, and to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place before the date,” he said.
He noted that the Appeal Court judgment had reaffirmed the existence and leadership structure of the party, boosting confidence among members both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
“With the outcome of the Appeal Court judgment, individuals across the federation and those in the diaspora know that we have a party at hand,” Mohammed said.
He added that the leadership of the National Caretaker Working Committee was committed to ensuring a smooth and successful national convention.
“We are willing to do everything possible to make sure that we have a smooth national convention like never before,” he said.
Mohammed stressed that unity was critical for the party at this stage and called on all members to come together for the progress of the party and democracy in Nigeria.
“This victory is not for an individual or a group. It is a victory for all. We should put aside our differences and work together for the progress of the party,” he said.
According to him, statutory delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to participate in the national convention.
Assurance to PDP Aspirants
Also speaking, the PDP Caretaker Working Committee Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, reassured party members intending to contest elections under the PDP platform that there was no cause for concern following the Appeal Court ruling.
He explained that some individuals had earlier expressed concerns about the legitimacy of party leadership and who would sign nomination documents for candidates.
“Some people had speculated that we do not have candidates in the FCT and were asking who would sign their nomination forms. But the Appeal Court has affirmed this Caretaker Working Committee,” he said.
Anyanwu added that once the party conducts its national convention, a full-fledged National Working Committee would be in place to oversee party activities, including primaries.
He expressed confidence that the party would conduct successful primaries and perform strongly in future elections.