Barely 24 hours after the Supreme Court judgment, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has formally taken over the leadership of the party, citing constitutional provisions and the need to prevent a vacuum.

Reacting to the Apex Court verdict, in a press release dated April 30, 2026, and signed by Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the BoT, the body said its decision was grounded in the 2017 amended constitution of the party.

The statement noted that the intervention became necessary following the court’s decision, which nullified the PDP’s National Convention held in Ibadan in November 2025 that produced the leadership led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

According to the BoT, the court also upheld the suspension of key party officials, including Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Bature, and Kamaldeen Ajibade, who held positions as National Secretary, National Organising Secretary, and National Legal Adviser, respectively.

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The statement read, “The implication of today’s judgment by the Supreme Court is that all actions taken by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Hon. Umar Bature and Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, including the appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman, the composition of the National Caretaker Working Committee and the conduct and outcome of the March 29th, 2026 Convention in Abuja are illegal, null and ab initio void.”

It added that both the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led and Turaki-led working committees stand invalidated, thereby placing the responsibility of leadership on the BoT as the second-highest organ of the party under Section 32(5) of its constitution.

The statement further announced immediate steps to stabilise the party, including the convening of an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to appoint an interim National Working Committee.

“Against this backdrop, the BoT hereby immediately assumes responsibility of the national working leadership of the PDP as immediate constitutional remedial steps to foster genuine reconciliation, salvage, stabilise, and return the party to good political health.”

Party staff were directed to resume duties at the national secretariat under the supervision of the BoT pending the formation of an interim leadership structure.

The BoT also commended party stakeholders, including Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, alongside other organs of the party, for their resilience during the crisis.

Calling for unity, the BoT urged members to set aside differences in the interest of the party and the country.

“The PDP has suffered enough; the painful victims of this unfortunate episode are the Nigerian people. The time has therefore come for us to make sacrifices, sheathe our swords and embrace genuine reconciliations for lasting peace and chart a new course for our party.”