Wike-backed PDP claims party chairmanship, warns Wabara

Ebun Emmanuel – May 1, 2026

The Wike-backed Peoples Democratic Party has dismissed claims of a leadership vacuum following a recent Supreme Court judgment, insisting that its National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, remain in charge.

The National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, stated this while addressing a press conference at Wadata Plaza in Abuja on Friday.

He also said the tenure of Adolphus Wabara as Chairman of the Board of Trustees had expired before the current crisis, warning that any contrary claims would not be tolerated.

Mohammed accused Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Wabara, Ini Ememobong and others of misrepresenting facts and spreading falsehoods regarding the Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 30, 2026.

He clarified that the apex court ruling only invalidated the Ibadan convention and dismissed the appeal filed by the Turaki-led National Working Committee for lacking merit, stressing that the judgment made no reference to the suspension or expulsion of any party official.

He said, “This remains the sole substance of the judgment, contrary to the false narratives being circulated. The judgment did not uphold any suspension or expulsion of any officer of the party.

“The issue of suspension or expulsion was never before the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court. It was neither canvassed nor formed part of the questions for determination at any level of adjudication.

“The apex court addressed only the validity of the so-called 15th and 16th Ibadan convention. At no point did it mention the suspension or expulsion of any party officer.”

He pointed out that there had been no vacuum, obstruction or absence of leadership within the party to justify any interim takeover.

“The leadership structure of the PDP remains intact, lawful and fully operational under the National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. Their positions remain duly recognised,” he added.