PDP NEC Backs Caretaker Committee, Approves Congress Timetable Ahead of National Convention

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed the authority of the Abdulrahman Muhammed–led National Caretaker Committee and approved a nationwide timetable for the party’s congresses ahead of its national convention.

The meeting, chaired by Muhammed with Senator Samuel Anyanwu serving as Secretary, reviewed the state of the party, preparations for upcoming congresses, and recent judicial developments affecting the PDP.

NEC members resolved that the National Caretaker Committee remains the party’s only legitimate national administrative body. The committee, according to the resolution, will continue to function as the National Working Committee (NWC) until a new, elected leadership emerges through the party’s convention.

The NEC also approved the schedule for congresses across the country, with ward and local government congresses slated for February 2026, while state congresses are to hold in March 2026.

To ensure a smooth process, the committee directed the National Caretaker Committee to issue comprehensive guidelines and official notices for the congresses. These guidelines, it said, must strictly comply with the PDP Constitution, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regulations, and existing court judgments.

Reacting to a recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, the NEC welcomed the judgment and reiterated the party’s respect for the independence of the judiciary. Members were urged to abide by all judicial pronouncements and conduct party affairs in line with the rule of law.

In preparation for the national convention, the NEC ordered the immediate activation of convention sub-committees and the commencement of logistical and administrative planning. It also approved the extension of the tenure of state and zonal caretaker committees pending the completion of congresses and the national convention.

The NEC called on party members at all levels to remain united, disciplined and focused, stressing that the collective interest of the PDP must outweigh individual ambitions.

According to the committee, the resolutions reached at the meeting are expected to strengthen internal democracy, stabilise the party and position it more effectively for future electoral contests.