2027 Election: Only PDP Caretaker Committee Empowered To Present Candidates – Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

In the wake of defections to other parties by governors, Chairman Caretaker Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Abdulrahman Mohammed has clarified that only the committee is constitutionally empowered to present candidates for next year’s general elections.

The clarification comes after some governors elected on the platform of the party, for first time, defected to other parties to seek reelection for second term following unabated crisis which has caused division in the party.

Among the governors is Ademola Adeleke, of Osun state who decamped to Accord Party to seek reelection along with some lawmakers in the state.

Addressing members of the Board of Trustees, (BOT) of the party in Abuja on Wednesday, Mohammed confirmed that a fresh convention would hold following Court of Appeal judgement which declared as illegal the earlier one held in Ibadan.

The chairman stated that “Yesterday, the National Caretaker Working Committee, led by my humble self were at the National Stadium to inspect the venue of our National Convention.

“We have conducted Ward Congresses and Local Government successfully

Congresses. Shortly, we shall conduct State Congresses in the affected States.

“I want to most sincerely thank our leaders for the platform and support given to the National Caretaker Working Committee under my leadership. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity.

“Consequently, you are all aware of the judgment delivered by the Appeal Court, and the Court delivered judgment on 9 Appeals in our favour, and I want to use this opportunity to appreciate our legal team, Leaders, party, members and supporters for their encouragement, guidance and prayers.

“May I emphasise that the National Caretaker Working Committee remains the only national leadership recognised by law and the party.

“The National Caretaker Working Committee is the only legitimate body that can present candidates in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.

“As such, I urge all stakeholders, party leaders, party members and supporters to rally round the National Caretaker Working Committee as we prepare to approach activities towards the 2027 general elections.

“The Court has spoken once again that the rule of law must prevail in our party’s internal affairs.

“However, as we proceed with the preparations towards our National Convention, we shall wait for the Certified True Copy of the judgments by the Court of Appeal to prepare ourselves for further defence at the Supreme Court, if the need arises.

“I want to call on all party stakeholders, leaders and members to unite ourselves for the betterment of our great party. Enough of litigations that will delay our activities towards the 2027 general elections and off season elections.”