The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a faction notably aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has officially sanctioned the establishment of a Caretaker Committee for its Oyo State chapter. This significant development sees Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso appointed as the committee’s Chairman, with Dr. Biola Olanipekun named as its Secretary, overseeing the party’s affairs in the strategically important southwestern state. The committee, whose formation underscores ongoing internal dynamics within the PDP, is slated to commence its duties on December 24, 2025, for a period not exceeding 30 days.
This appointment, communicated through a statement issued by Umar Bature, the National Organising Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, signals a calculated move by the Wike-aligned NWC to assert influence and streamline party operations in Oyo State. The decision comes amidst persistent internal power struggles and realignments within the PDP following the 2023 general elections, where the party faced significant challenges. Such caretaker structures are typically deployed to address administrative vacuums or stabilize party organs in anticipation of more permanent leadership.
The newly constituted committee is charged with the fundamental responsibility of managing the party’s day-to-day operations in Oyo State, as explicitly outlined in Section 21(2)(a-b) of the PDP’s Constitution. This constitutional provision generally empowers caretaker bodies to bridge leadership gaps, ensure administrative continuity, and prepare the ground for democratic processes like congresses or conventions. The 30-day tenure emphasizes the temporary nature of the assignment, indicating a short-term intervention before a more substantive leadership structure is established.
Beyond the Chairman and Secretary, the committee comprises a diverse roster of members, including Mr. Adio Dauda Tolani, Hon. Ali Hammed Okesola, Prince Adewale Lukuman Adewale, Mr. Tunde Sikiru Adeniran, Alhaja Risikat Kola Popoola, and Hon. Kabiru Adesokan. Other notable appointees are Hon. Yekini Adebisi Toyosi, Hon. Rotimi Adewuyi, Hon. Musbau Olayowola, Hon. Oyewole Olaosebikan, Hon. Abideen Olarewaju, Comrade Akinloye Oyeniyi, Chief Bili Muraina, Hon. Dauda Ramon Bamibeke, and Barr. Babatunde Akinola. This broad composition suggests an effort to encompass various interests and stakeholders within the Oyo State chapter of the party.
The timing and nature of this appointment raise questions regarding the existing party structures in Oyo State, which is currently governed by a PDP administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde. Governor Makinde is widely considered an ally of Minister Wike, having been a prominent member of the ‘G-5’ governors who played a pivotal role in the build-up to the 2023 elections. This move could therefore be interpreted as a strategic effort to consolidate control or to address specific internal issues within the state chapter, potentially pre-empting future challenges or strengthening the faction’s hold.
Caretaker committees are a common feature in Nigerian political party administration, often deployed during periods of transition, crisis, or when the tenure of elected officials expires without immediate replacements. Their primary role is to ensure that the party’s activities, including membership drives, grassroots mobilisation, and preparations for future elections, continue uninterrupted. The specific mandate to operate under Section 21(2)(a-b) of the party’s constitution underscores the legal framework guiding such temporary administrative arrangements, aiming to prevent a vacuum in leadership.
The establishment of this committee also reflects the broader power dynamics within the PDP at the national level. Minister Wike, despite his appointment as a federal minister under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government, remains a significant figure within the opposition PDP and commands a loyal following. His faction’s ability to influence the NWC’s decisions, such as the appointment of state caretaker committees, highlights the ongoing internal struggle for the party’s soul and direction as it navigates its role as the primary opposition.
Political analysts suggest that such strategic appointments are crucial for shaping the party’s future trajectory, particularly in states with significant political weight like Oyo. The committee’s brief 30-day mandate, albeit with a future effective date, implies an urgent, albeit delayed, need to re-organize or stabilize the state chapter. The outcomes of this caretaker committee’s work, once it assumes office, will likely set the stage for subsequent party congresses and the eventual election of new, permanent leadership in Oyo State.
The unusual aspect of the December 24, 2025, effective date for a “caretaker” committee – traditionally an immediate intervention mechanism – warrants particular attention. This future commencement could suggest a long-term strategic plan rather than an urgent response to an immediate crisis. It might indicate an intention to reshape the state chapter ahead of future electoral cycles or to manage a carefully orchestrated transition, allowing ample time for groundwork before the official takeover.
Ultimately, the appointment of the Oyo State Caretaker Committee by the Wike-aligned PDP NWC represents another chapter in the intricate internal politics of Nigeria’s main opposition party. Its impact will be closely watched, not only within Oyo State but also across the national political landscape, as the PDP continues its efforts to reconcile its various factions and reposition itself for future electoral contests. The committee’s actions and the party’s response to its recommendations will be critical indicators of the PDP’s cohesion and strategic direction moving forward.
