The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday inaugurated a 10-member caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs in Lagos State.
The inauguration, held in Ikeja, was attended by party delegates and led by a former state chairman, Engr. Adedeji Doherty, who represented the faction’s national leadership.
During the event, Doherty reiterated the faction’s claim that it remains the only PDP group recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He also responded to recent criticisms from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, regarding the party’s internal crisis.
In a surprising remark, Doherty apologized to Nigerians for the PDP’s past failures, stating that it led to the election of President Bola Tinubu, whom he credited with implementing reforms the PDP should have championed.
He added that no other southern candidate matched Tinubu’s profile for the 2027 presidential election.
Doherty issued a symbolic “red card” to Governor Makinde and others he accused of obstructing the party’s progress.
The newly inaugurated State Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Elder Kayode Ogunbiyi, outlined the committee’s mandate in a speech. He announced the immediate cancellation of all congresses purportedly held between August and September 2025, declaring their outcomes “dissolved forthwith.”
Ogunbiyi stated that fresh congresses would commence on January 9, 2026, starting from the ward level up to the state, with assurances of fair access to nomination forms.
He described the recent PDP national convention in Ibadan as “the worst in the history of the Party,” labeling it a “sham convention” that was “outlawed before it was held” and not monitored by INEC.
The caretaker committee, which has a 60-day mandate, plans to operate through sub-committees focusing on mobilization, finance, gender, discipline, and electoral matters. Ogunbiyi appealed for the return of members who left the party due to internal disputes and called for documented advice from leaders on rebuilding the party.
