Former Senator representing Abia North, Mao Ohuabunwa, has been appointed as the factional Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His emergence follows the dissolution of the Adolphus Wabara-led BoT by a faction aligned with the party’s new Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad.
The announcement came via a communique issued on Friday after an emergency meeting of the newly reconstituted BoT in Abuja.
The board also elected Isah Dansidi as Secretary, replacing Senator Ahmed Makarfi.
The BoT stated that Wabara and Makarfi could no longer serve due to their public positions in the ongoing intra-party disputes, which, according to the board, undermined 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 statement read.
The BoT reaffirmed the PDP’s unity as an “indivisible, united, and democratic family” committed to justice, equity, and progress.
It also recognized the authority of all legally constituted organs of the party and commended the judiciary for upholding the supremacy of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines, and the PDP Constitution.
The board directed all PDP organs to comply fully with the Federal High Court judgment of 31 October, which nullified certain actions of the previous leadership.
Regarding the party’s planned national convention, the BoT recommended postponement until the Court of Appeal delivers a final ruling on the matter.
“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 communique stated.
The BoT cautioned all party organs against acting outside the constitution or in contempt of court, warning that any such actions would be invalid.
The board pledged to serve as the “conscience and moral compass of the party,” mediating among stakeholders, promoting inclusivity, and preventing divisions that could threaten party cohesion.
Meanwhile, PDP elder statesman Jim Nwobodo called on the BoT to ensure the party remains a “beacon of democracy” in Nigeria.
He urged the board to engage aggrieved members willing to abide by the party constitution and bring them back into the PDP fold.
“As one of the founding fathers and the oldest member of this family, I know that the PDP is a party where every member belongs. My appeal is for the leadership to reach out to aggrieved members and ensure the PDP remains the party to beat,” Nwobodo said.
He also called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to assist the BoT, noting that the PDP could achieve significant progress if the minister devoted the same energy to party development as he did to infrastructure projects in Abuja.
“Honourable Minister Wike, they need your help. If you put that same effort into this party, the PDP will be the party to beat. Don’t be deterred or discouraged,” Nwobodo added.
