Makinde To Declare Presidential Ambition As Turaki Set To Emerge PDP Caretaker Chairman

Unless there are any sudden modifications, the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee backed by Governor Seyi Makinde is poised to announce a 10-member caretaker committee on Monday, with Tanimu Turaki (SAN) anticipated to lead the group.

Individuals knowledgeable about the situation informed The PUNCH that Turaki was selected as the favored candidate during a meeting conducted by the Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Adolphus Wabara, in Abuja on Sunday.

At the start of the meeting, former Senate President Wabara asserted that the party would not yield to what he referred to as political disruptors.

“The PDP will never capitulate to traitors and political outlaws,” he stated, emphasizing that the party’s institutional integrity remains secure despite internal conflicts.

He further mentioned that the Board of Trustees stepped in, as per the party’s constitution, to stabilize the PDP and foster reconciliation in the wake of a leadership crisis.

This development follows the Supreme Court's recent decision to annul the Makinde-supported PDP national convention that occurred in Ibadan on November 15 and 16.

In a divided 3–2 ruling made on April 30, the court determined that the convention breached existing orders prohibiting the party from moving forward, criticizing the PDP for ignoring judicial mandates.

Wabara contended that the ruling essentially created a leadership void, insisting that no officially recognized leadership exists within the party at present.

As stated by Wabara, the BoT has obtained the necessary two-thirds majority to hold a National Executive Committee meeting on Monday, during which the caretaker committee is set to be formed.

He also instructed PDP personnel to return to their duties, mentioning that steps are being taken to restore normal operations.

In outlining the sequence of events, Wabara accused certain party members of orchestrating internal sabotage intended to undermine the PDP in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

“Certain individuals collaborating with the APC are attempting to weaken our party,” he claimed.

Following the private session, a participant in the meeting indicated that most members of the BoT concurred on naming Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as the chairman of the caretaker committee expected to be revealed by the NEC.

The participant remarked, “Our discussions were productive. We talked about unity and reconciliation, and above all, the BoT has taken charge of the party. It was also unanimously decided that a caretaker committee will be formed.

“Many members believe Turaki has positively influenced the party’s reputation in recent months and continues to be broadly endorsed. In light of this, there was a consensus that he should be appointed as the chairman of the 10-member caretaker committee to be revealed at the NEC meeting tomorrow.”

Conversely, another individual mentioned that a minority of members proposed different candidates from the BoT for consideration.

He noted, “While the majority endorsed Turaki (SAN), a few members felt that others should take the lead of the caretaker committee and have been put forward for nomination.

“Nonetheless, signs indicate that Turaki is likely to be the choice, given his broad acceptability and strong performance in recent responsibilities. The caretaker committee is anticipated to be announced at the NEC meeting tomorrow to oversee party operations, including setting election schedules.”
In a relevant development, it has been reported by certain sources that Governor Makinde is likely to officially announce his plans to run for the presidential election in 2027 within this week.

As per the source, "Makinde has consistently asserted that he will remain loyal to the PDP, even if he is the last person associated with it. His allegiance to the party is unwavering, and he currently stands as the sole PDP governor."

"It is anticipated that he will make his presidential intentions known sometime between now and Saturday. He does not have any other political platform apart from the PDP."

The source further mentioned that in spite of the ongoing issues, some members within the party are hopeful that the PDP will address its internal difficulties before the elections in 2027 and will continue to be a strong contender at all levels.

Nevertheless, the faction that supports the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, dismissed the notion that there is a leadership void within the party.

The Publicity Secretary of this faction, Jungudo Mohammed, asserted that the existing leadership is secure, stating that no judicial decision has removed any party official from their position.

He characterized the meeting of the Board of Trustees as trivial.

"The gathering they had was merely a collection of individuals sharing tea," he remarked.

"The legitimate chairperson of the Board of Trustees is Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and whatever actions they undertake are invalid."

The PDP has been caught in a lengthy dispute over leadership, with competing groups asserting control over the party's organization.