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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially inaugurated a 17-member caretaker committee tasked with overseeing its affairs in Oyo State. This crucial development follows a directive from the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), aiming to instill renewed leadership and operational transparency within the state chapter. Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso assumes the chairmanship of this interim body, with Dr. Biola Olanipekun appointed as its secretary, signalling a strategic move by the national party to consolidate its structure ahead of future electoral cycles.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Friday, marked a significant step in the party’s ongoing efforts to reorganise its state-level operations. The newly constituted committee is mandated to steer the PDP’s activities, focusing on critical aspects such as membership mobilisation, delegate elections, and overall leadership representation across all levels of the party within Oyo State. This interim arrangement underscores the national leadership’s commitment to ensuring robust internal democratic processes.
Umar Bature, the National Organising Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, had earlier confirmed the appointment of the 17-man team, emphasising the necessity of a dedicated body to manage the party’s affairs. The event itself drew a notable presence from national party figures, including Abdulrahman Mohammed, the National Caretaker Committee Chairman, who was represented by the National Women Leader, Professor Olanike Ogunse. Their attendance highlighted the national party’s direct oversight and endorsement of the committee’s formation and mandate.
Addressing the newly inaugurated members, the national leadership, through Professor Ogunse, delivered a clear charge: to meticulously discharge their duties in strict adherence to the party’s constitution. This directive sets a fundamental expectation for the committee, underscoring the importance of constitutional fidelity in all its undertakings. The emphasis on internal regulations aims to prevent future disputes and foster a disciplined operational environment for the party in the state.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Akinoso articulated a comprehensive vision for his committee, pledging to entrench the principles of participatory democracy in every facet of the party’s operations. He vowed to prioritise transparent membership mobilisation drives and ensure fairness in delegate elections, asserting that these foundational processes are critical for the PDP to achieve its objectives. Akinoso stressed that for the party to “get it right,” all its procedures must be open, equitable, and accountable to its members.
Professor Akinoso elaborated on the committee’s core mandate, which includes piloting the party’s affairs to guarantee the entrenchment of participatory democracy across ward, local, and state levels. He affirmed that this process must be transparent, fair to all members, and strictly aligned with the party’s constitution. Crucially, the committee’s substantive activities are slated to commence on January 9, 2026, a timeline set forth by the National Working Committee under the leadership of Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, indicating a structured approach to their responsibilities.
Acknowledging the formidable nature of the tasks ahead, Professor Akinoso expressed confidence in his team’s ability to achieve success within their designated timeframe. He drew upon his extensive background, which includes experience as a former youth leader in various state and national organisations, a seasoned trade unionist, and an active political party member who previously served as Secretary of the Ibadan North of All Peoples Party between 1998 and 1999. His nearly 30 years of public service experience, he asserted, would be instrumental in guiding the committee to a resounding success.
The chairman further pledged that the committee would actively consult with all stakeholders, including leaders, members, women, and youth groups, ensuring their due recognition and incorporating their interests into decision-making processes. This commitment to inclusivity aims to build consensus and strengthen party unity. He highlighted the committee’s acute awareness of the impending 2027 general elections, reassuring all members that the rule of law and the party’s constitution would serve as the guiding principles for all their activities in preparation for the crucial polls.
Professor Akinoso also addressed the preceding dissolution of the Oyo State executive committee, a decision made during the 103rd National Executive Committee meeting of the PDP on November 18. He confirmed that this dissolution remains in effect and issued a clear directive to members of the former executive, urging them to promptly hand over all party properties in their possession to the secretary of the newly constituted Oyo State caretaker committee. This ensures a smooth transition and continuity of party operations.
The formation of this caretaker committee represents a critical strategic intervention by the PDP’s national leadership, reflecting a broader commitment to internal reforms and revitalisation across its state chapters. By instituting a temporary leadership structure focused on foundational democratic principles and transparent processes, the party aims to resolve internal conflicts, streamline its operations, and fortify its base in Oyo State, positioning itself more effectively for the political challenges leading up to the 2027 general elections.
