PDP to swear in new BoT members as govs strategize ahead of convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will formally inaugurate its newly appointed Board of Trustees (BoT) members today (Monday) in Abuja, as the party intensifies efforts to address internal divisions and chart a unified course forward.

The announcement was contained in an internal circular dated May 11, 2025, and signed by the party’s Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom.

The document stated that the swearing-in will be held at the PDP’s National Executive Committee Hall, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, by 11 a.m.
“With reference to the subject above, please be informed that the PDP Board of Trustees has scheduled the inauguration of its new members.The event is set to take place on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the NEC Hall (Ground Floor), PDP National Headquarters,” the notice read.

This inauguration comes in the wake of an earlier report revealing that a majority of BoT members—85 out of 127—had become inactive, raising concerns over the board’s effectiveness.

The swearing-in is seen as part of broader efforts to revitalize the BoT and restore its relevance amid growing challenges within the party. According to the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), the BoT is tasked with preserving the party’s values, resolving conflicts, guiding policy, and protecting party assets.

Section 32 of the constitution outlines the board’s membership, comprising former Presidents, Vice Presidents, National Chairmen, legislative leaders, founding members, and representatives from every geopolitical zone and state.

The BoT may convene meetings at the behest of its chairman, half its membership, or the National Executive Committee, provided a quorum—two-thirds representation from two-thirds of states—is achieved.

Current BoT Chairman and former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, has been at the forefront of reconciliation efforts following disagreements over the National Secretary position. However, his efforts have been met with resistance from factions within the party citing quorum concerns.

In a related development, PDP governors and senior party figures met in Abuja on Sunday to deliberate on the party’s direction ahead of the upcoming National Elective Convention and NEC meeting on May 27.

The high-level strategy session took place at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge, under the chairmanship of Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, who also heads the PDP Governors’ Forum.

Governors in attendance included Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).

The meeting also brought together key stakeholders such as acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, BoT Secretary Ahmed Makarfi, and several former governors, including Bukola Saraki, Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Udom Emmanuel, Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Seriake Dickson, Babangida Muazu, and Adamu Muazu.

This gathering followed prior resolutions reached in Ibadan, aimed at fostering unity and addressing strategic issues like the party’s internal leadership disputes, recent defections, and preparations for future electoral contests.