By Adeyemi Adeleye
The factional PDP National Working Committee (NWC), loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday inaugurated Local Government Area Caretaker Committees (CTCs) across the 20 council areas of Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration points to the deepening national leadership crisis of the party.
The crisis recently took a new turn when the Wike-backed NWC announced the dissolution of the party’s state executives in some states, including Lagos.
Consequently, the faction on Dec. 24, 2025, inaugurated a 19-member State Caretaker Committee (CTC) for the party in the state.
The factional PDP NWC, to which Wike is aligned, is led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in Ikeja, Mr Adedeji Doherty, Deputy National Secretary of the factional NWC, who represented the National Chairman, said the rebuilding of the party must begin from the grassroots.
Doherty, a former Lagos PDP Chairman and governorship candidate, directed the state CTCs to strengthen the party at the local government, ward and zonal levels.
“This is a special work and call. We have chosen you and you will also choose others to take the party structures to every ward and zone.
“It is a different work from the 2011, 2015, 2019 or 2023 elections. We want you to all work hard and get results.
“The work you are going for is a special one; we must not take it with levity. We must get results,” he said.
He also tasked the state CTC to commence PDP membership registration and revalidation from wards to zones and local governments.
“We must rebuild our party from the base. It is the only national party we have as of today and people still love PDP,” he said.
Doherty noted that the caretaker committees at the state, local government, ward and zonal levels had a lifespan of 60 days before the conduct of proper party congresses.
He urged members to diligently carry out their mandates within the period.
The chieftain assured the committee members that the party would not abandon them after the congresses.
“You will continue to exist and be reckoned with in all decision-making, even after the congress. The issue of use and dump will not arise,” he said.
Doherty also directed the committees to reconstitute the PDP women and youth wings to ensure effective party operations.
He said those who claimed that the PDP was dead would change their views once the structures were fully restored.
Doherty further directed the committees to constitute a five-member Elders Unity Forum in each LGA for guidance, prayers and reconciliation.
He added that party membership cards and voter cards remained mandatory requirements for participation in PDP meetings and access to party benefits.
In his opening remarks, the State CTC Chairman, Mr Kayode Ogunbiyi, urged the newly inaugurated LGA caretaker committees to reconnect the party with the grassroots.
“We need to stand well so that we will not fall. We trust you; we should not do anything against the law,” Ogunbiyi said.
He described the assignment as a rare opportunity to revive the party, urging members to consider themselves fortunate.
The chairman assured that the state CTC would fulfil its mandate, including the conduct of credible party congresses.
Also speaking, Mr Tajudeen Obasa, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ojo Federal Constituency, expressed confidence that the PDP would overcome its challenges and participate fully in the 2027 general elections.
“PDP still remains a very strong party. We are not leaving the party. We will see what will happen between now and March. There is hope for this party; we know all the issues going on.
“We are going into contest and win elections in 2027. PDP is still standing and will produce representatives in state assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and win governorship.”
NAN reports that the event was attended by members of the faction’s state CTC as well as former state executive members loyal to the group, including former State Secretary, Mr Soji Orioye, and former PDP State Vice Chairman (Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi. (NAN)
