The Peoples Democratic Party began the week with a key political event as newly appointed members of its Board of Trustees (BoT) were officially inaugurated at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Monday. The ceremony, which took place at the National Executive Committee (NEC) Hall of Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, was confirmed in a notice signed by PDP Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom.
The document, dated May 11, 2025, noted that the swearing-in ceremony would begin at 11 a.m. and marks an important step in reviving the role of the BoT, a body considered the “conscience of the party” as defined in Section 31(5) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended). This section explains that the BoT is tasked with upholding the moral standards of the party, giving guidance on key policy issues, mediating internal disputes, and protecting party assets.
This move comes just a few months after a February report revealed that a significant portion of the BoT — 85 out of its 127 members — had been inactive, raising concerns about the board’s effectiveness. The inauguration is widely seen as an effort to re-energize the board ahead of a crucial period for the opposition party.
The composition of the BoT, as outlined in Section 32(1) of the party’s constitution, includes former Presidents and Vice Presidents, past and current National Chairmen, former Senate Presidents, Speakers of the House of Representatives, party founders, and other key figures from all regions of the country. As per Sections 32(10-11), the board can hold meetings upon the call of its chairman, by request from half its members, or via resolution of the NEC.
Current BoT Chairman and former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, has been involved in reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving ongoing tensions within the party. A key issue under debate is the contested position of the National Secretary, which has caused friction among members. Some party stakeholders have questioned Wabara’s authority in recent actions, claiming he lacked the required quorum as defined by party rules, which call for two-thirds representation from at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s states.
