By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

The factional National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday inaugurated a 19-member State Caretaker Committee (CTC) for the party in Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the national leadership crisis rocking the PDP recently took a new turn recently when the Wike-backed NWC announced the dissolution of the party’s state executives in some states, including Lagos State.

The factional PDP NWC is led by Alhaji Abdulraman Mohammed as National Chairman and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.

Speaking at the inauguration held in Ikeja, Mr Adedeji Doherty, Deputy National Secretary of the factional NWC, who represented the National Chairman, decried what he described as disrespect for the party’s constitution by some members.

Doherty, a former Lagos PDP Chairman and governorship candidate, blamed some PDP leaders, including Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Chief Olabode George and others, for the party’s lingering crisis.

He said “recognised PDP leaders” had endorsed the new CTC, and called for unity among members to reposition the party.

“We are issuing red cards to those hell-bent on destroying the PDP. The PDP is very important to us. Today marks a new chapter in the evolution of democracy and the party.

“We have heard a lot about court judgments and conflicting judgments on who the authentic chairman of the PDP is.

“As far as we are concerned, and as far as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is concerned, the Ibadan National Convention that produced the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP National Working Committee should not have taken place,” he said.

Describing the November PDP convention as a kangaroo process, Doherty said it was not done according to the dictates of democracy , and so lacked legitimacy.

According to him, Mohammed remains the authentic National Chairman of the party.

Doherty, who admonished the newly inaugurated caretaker committee to adhere strictly to the party’s constitution and relevant regulations, said the executives would conduct congresses for the party beginning from January.

“I want the new caretaker committee to be so guided. We must return this party to the great days. We must not go against the tenets of the party and its constitution.

“PDP in Lagos State is going to witness a serious turnaround. I want to call on all those who left the PDP in Lagos for one reason or the other to return and take managerial positions.

“We must join hands to rebuild our party again. Rebuilding the party at this period is more important to us than who becomes president in 2027,” he said.

On the 2027 general election and the issue of Southern Presidency, Doherty said there was nothing wrong if the PDP backs President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to complete a second term for the region.

“It does not mean that we are going to abandon our PDP and declare for the APC. It also does not mean that when you see PDP governors declaring for the APC, they cannot return.

“I believe in Wike’s decision to support President Bola Tinubu in 2027. It is his prerogative,” he said.

He said supporting Tinubu for another makes sense as it would be difficult for any party to dislodge him in 2027.

“It is going to be a herculean task,” he said.

He expressed regret that the crisis in the party had pushed many leaders out of PDP.

NAN reports that that Kayode Ogunbiyi was sworn in as chairman of the caretaker committee while Mr Jamiu Awofala emerged as Secretary.

Other members of the committee include Mrs Akinro Bolaji, Mr Ege Allen, Mr Audu Salami, Mr Gani Ogungbayi, Mr Ola Odunwa, Mr Samson Hundeyin, Mrs Adebimpe Mariam and Mr Solomon Yusuf.

In his address, Ogunbiyi, said the immediate before the committee was to rebuild the party.

“Our mandate is to be accomplished within a short period; therefore, we have to fast-track our schedules and report back to our National Secretariat within the next six weeks from today.

“We do not have time. We assure you that utmost decorum and discipline will be maintained at all levels of our administration.

“We will not tolerate any form of thuggery or assaults on innocent members.

“We will also not tolerate any form of rascality on social media by persons propagating false information.

“Whatever steps we take will be in consonance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, relevant laws, the constitution of the party and court rulings,” he said.

Ogunbiyi said the new leadership would encourage women and youths across all local government areas to participate fully in the forthcoming congresses.

“We appeal to those who left the party recently because of internal disagreements to return and assist the party at this time.

“We need the cooperation of everyone to restore order, discipline and inclusivity for the benefit of our members and the Lagos electorate at large,” he added.

According to him, from Jan. 9, 2026, the caretaker committee will commence congresses at the zonal, ward, local government, state and South-West zonal levels, to be conducted within 60 days.

In his remarks, Mr Hakeem Olalemi, the immediate past PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), described the inauguration as “a new beginning and a rebirth of the PDP in the state.” (NAN)

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