PDP crisis deepens as Wike-backed faction elects Lagos Exco

Barely three weeks after the Dr. Kabiru Turaki-led PDP elected Dr. Amos Fawole as party chairman in Lagos, another faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Tuesday elected Muka Popoola as chairman of its Lagos State executive committee.

The 39-member state executive emerged through a consensus arrangement at the party’s 2026 Lagos State Elective Congress held in Ikeja, Lagos.

The Wike-backed NWC is led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed as national chairman, with Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as national secretary.

Chairman of the congress, Mr Olalekan Rotimi, commended delegates for the peaceful conduct of the exercise, noting that the consensus approach would strengthen unity within the faction.

“From the organisation we have seen, you have made our job easier. This is essentially a family affair in line with the Electoral Act as amended,” Rotimi said.

“By consensus, everyone has agreed on who should lead the state executive.”

He subsequently announced and affirmed the 39-member executive through a voice vote.

Other members of the executive include Mr Kayode Ogunbiyi (Deputy Chairman), Mr Disu Omotola (Secretary), Alhaja Kehinde Olojede (Woman Leader), Mr Olalekan Odufolakun (Youth Leader), and Dr Phillips Adebiyi (Publicity Secretary).

Also elected are Mr Hakeem Olalemi (Organising Secretary), Mr Morgan Onyeoma (Financial Secretary), Mrs Kate Onyechere (Treasurer), Mr Desmond Agbo (Legal Adviser), and Alhaji Adio Salami (State Auditor).

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Others are Alhaji Fatai Adele (Vice Chairman, West), Chief Adekogbe Taiwo (Vice Chairman, East), and Mr Soji Orioye (Vice Chairman, Central).

On the party’s national crisis, Rotimi expressed optimism that reconciliation efforts by party elders would yield results.

“We are optimistic that ongoing reconciliation efforts will resolve the issues,” he said.

Also speaking, the faction’s Deputy National Secretary, Mr Adedeji Doherty, said the new executive must focus on rebuilding and repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Representing the national chairman, Doherty said the congress marked a turning point for the PDP in Lagos.

“This exercise is crucial under the new electoral law. The new leadership must prioritise the interest of the party above all else,” he said.

He added that the executive list reflected inclusiveness, with representation for women, youths and non-indigenes.

Doherty also defended the legality of the congress, insisting it was backed by judicial authority.

“This congress has legality in the highest order,” he said, adding that a recent Appeal Court ruling had strengthened the faction’s position.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Obasa, dismissed claims that the PDP was weakening.

“PDP cannot die. We will field candidates in all elective positions and win in 2027,” he said.

Earlier, outgoing caretaker committee chairman, Mr Kayode Ogunbiyi, thanked party leaders for the opportunity to serve.

Responding on behalf of the new executive, Popoola pledged to reposition the party in Lagos and challenge the ruling party in the state

“We will prioritise the interest of members and work collectively to strengthen the party,” he said.

“PDP in Lagos will no longer be business as usual. We are determined to win elections and put the party back on track.”