Former Senate President and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has formally inducted former Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and 37 others into the party’s BoT.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday in Abuja, signaled a strategic move to reinvigorate the party’s top advisory body amid growing internal concerns and the need for renewed political direction.
Other newly inaugurated members include former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, former National Vice Chairman (South West) Eddy Olafeso, former Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, former Minister of Information Labaran Maku, former Minister of National Planning Mohammed Daggash, and former Ogun State governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu.
These individuals will serve on the BoT for a term of three years.
Wabara, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the significance of the moment, describing it as both a celebration of new beginnings and a reaffirmation of collective dedication to the values of the PDP.
“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 stated.
“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.
He further reminded the appointees of their role as custodians of the party’s conscience, urging them to provide guidance and ensure that party decisions are in line with its core values.
Wabara underscored the importance of the BoT as a stabilising force, especially in navigating Nigeria’s dynamic political terrain. “The task ahead is demanding, but with unity, determination, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles, we shall overcome,” he said.
Highlighting the constitutional responsibilities of the BoT, he noted that the body serves as the party’s moral compass, tasked with promoting ethical standards, providing policy guidance, resolving conflicts, and safeguarding party property.
Also speaking at the event, Olafeso, on behalf of the new members, expressed enthusiasm for the task ahead and pledged their commitment to repositioning the PDP.
“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,” he said.
Olafeso stressed the importance of returning the party to a position where it could influence positive change in areas such as education, security, and the economy.
“We are bringing in new ideas, new people, and a new orientation. Many of us have stood firm for the PDP for over 20 years, and we aim to restore the party’s former glory,” he added.
In his remarks, PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, congratulated the new BoT members and urged them to work collaboratively with the National Working Committee (NWC) to strengthen the party.
Represented by the Acting National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, Damagum said, “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.”
He assured the BoT of the NWC’s full support and looked forward to a revitalised and unified party structure capable of addressing national challenges.
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