Wabara Inducts Ortom, Ugwuanyi, Others Into PDP BoT

Monday May 12, 2025 |

Former Senate President and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Adolphus Wabara, on Monday, May 12, inaugurated 40 new members into the party’s top advisory body, calling it a crucial step towards reviving the PDP.

Among those inducted were former Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano, Lucky Igbinedion of Edo, and Babangida Aliyu of Niger.

Others included former Minister of Information Labaran Maku, ex-Minister of National Planning Mohammed Daggash, and Ogun PDP’s governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu.

Wabara said the move would help rejuvenate the BoT and reposition the PDP for greater relevance, dismissing concerns about the party’s waning influence.

“Today, we are welcoming a distinguished group of individuals whose dedication, experience, and unwavering loyalty to the PDP have earned them a place on this prestigious Board,” Wabara said at the event in Abuja.

“Your appointment to the Board of Trustees is a call to serve, a call to uphold the integrity, unity, and vision of our party as we continue to strive for a more prosperous and democratic Nigeria,” he added.

This shake-up follows a recent report revealing that 85 out of the 127 BoT members had become inactive. Wabara said the board’s revival was key to guiding the PDP through what he described as a shifting political terrain.

“As custodians of the party’s conscience, the BoT plays a critical role in providing wise counsel, fostering stability, and ensuring that our decisions align with the core objectives of the PDP,” he said.

He stressed that the responsibility was not just symbolic. “Your role as members of the Board is not only to guide and support the leadership of the party but also to act as a stabilising force in times of challenges and uncertainties,” he said.

“Today’s inauguration is particularly significant as we prepare to navigate the evolving political landscape and work tirelessly to restore the PDP as the foremost party in Nigeria.

“The task ahead is demanding, but with unity, determination, and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, we shall overcome.”

Wabara reminded members that their new position was not just an honour, but a responsibility.

“PDP is not dead, so let us continue to work together to uphold the vision of our founding fathers, and to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more progressive party. Together, we shall lead our party to new heights of success and relevance in the Nigerian political landscape,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the new BoT members, Eddy Olafeso, former National Vice Chairman (South West), described the ceremony as a “new beginning.”

“This marks a new beginning for our party, a regeneration of its glorious past, and a commitment to ensuring that, from this moment on, the PDP can effectively serve as a strong opposition party across the country. We are bringing in new ideas, new people, and a new orientation,” Olafeso said.

“With the quality of leadership and the heritage of our past, we can make Nigeria better than it is today. We are all excited to go back to work, and that’s exactly what we will do.

“Many of us have stood firm for the PDP for over 20 years, and we won’t stray from that path. We aim to restore the party’s glorious past, where people can send their children to school, where insecurity is a thing of the past, and where the economy and employment issues start to improve.”

Also addressing the gathering, PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, congratulated the new members and called for synergy with the party’s National Working Committee. He was represented by Acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo.

“The Board of Trustees is the conscience of the party, and the Constitution entrusts it with the great responsibility of guiding the PDP; not just as Nigeria’s leading party but as a beacon for Africa,” Damagum said.

“We in the NWC are here as your chief servants, ready to rely on your advice and guidance. We assure you of our full support in ensuring the smooth running of the party.”