Wike-backed PDP Dismisses Makinde-Supported NEC Meeting

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has rejected the 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting reportedly backed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, describing it as illegitimate and unconstitutional.

In a statement on Monday, the party faction dismissed claims by a group led by Sen. Adolphus Wabara and Kabiru Tanimu Turaki that a valid NEC meeting had been convened, insisting that no such meeting was authorised by the party’s leadership.

“The PDP wishes to categorically state that no such meeting was convened by the leadership of the party,” the statement read.

It added that “any resolutions, announcements, or claims emanating from that gathering are null, void, and of no effect.”

The group also criticised the reported move to constitute a caretaker or interim committee, describing it as inconsistent with the party’s constitution.

“It is both ironic and disappointing that individuals who previously argued that the party’s constitution does not provide for the establishment of a caretaker committee have now contradicted themselves,” the statement said, adding that the development “exposes the lack of credibility and coherence in their actions.”

The faction further argued that even if the conveners had the authority to call such a meeting, they failed to comply with legal requirements, particularly provisions of the Electoral Act regarding notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Specifically, the mandatory requirement to give INEC a minimum of 21 days’ notice… was blatantly ignored. There is no evidence of compliance, nor was INEC in attendance as required by law,” it stated.

The statement also questioned Wabara’s role in the process, alleging that he lacked the moral and constitutional standing to lead such an initiative.

“Having been expelled at his ward level… he lacks the moral and constitutional standing to assume any leadership or oversight role within the party,” it claimed.

It further described the Board of Trustees (BoT) as an advisory body without executive powers, accusing the group of attempting to mislead the public by invoking its authority.

The faction warned party members and the public against recognising the outcome of the meeting.

“We therefore call on all party members, stakeholders, and the general public to completely disregard this illegitimate assembly and its outcomes,” it said.

Reaffirming its position, the group maintained that the PDP remains committed to its constitution and democratic principles under its current leadership.

The development underscores the deepening internal crisis within the PDP, with rival factions continuing to contest legitimacy and control of the party’s structures ahead of future political activities.