In a significant turn of events within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Mao Arukwe Ohuabunwa has been appointed as the new chairman of the factional Board of Trustees (BoT). This decision follows the dissolution of the previous board led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and Senator Ahmed Makarfi, prompted by accusations of a loss of credibility and moral authority.
The dissolution occurred during a meeting hosted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, where the new BoT was inaugurated. The factional Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad, emphasized the need for a restructured board to restore discipline and moral direction within the party, criticizing the previous leadership for its failure to uphold these values.
Muhammad pointed out that Wabara’s suspension by the Abia State chapter of the PDP for alleged anti-party activities made his continued leadership untenable. He further lamented the party’s moral decline, attributing it to a disregard for its constitution and a failure to maintain judicial authority under the leadership of the suspended National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum.
The newly constituted BoT has pledged to serve as a “symbol of rebirth” for the PDP, with a commitment to transparency, justice, and adherence to court rulings. Muhammad stated that the board would not reward factional loyalty but would instead focus on integrity and fairness to rebuild public trust in the party.
Senator Jim Nwobodo, one of the founding fathers of the PDP, urged members to prioritize reconciliation and unity, stressing that the party must remain a beacon of democracy in Nigeria. He called for the establishment of a strong reconciliation committee to reach out to disaffected members.
The reconstituted BoT issued a seven-point communiqué reaffirming its dedication to constitutional order and unity ahead of the forthcoming National Convention. They urged all party members to comply with the recent Federal High Court ruling that halted the planned national convention, emphasizing that any actions taken outside the law would be considered null and void.
As the new leadership takes shape, the PDP faces the challenge of overcoming internal divisions and regaining its status as a formidable political force in Nigeria.
