The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party has inaugurated a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the party in Abia State, triggering fresh controversy within the state chapter.

The committee, inaugurated by the party’s national leadership, is chaired by Mr. Ikpegbu Emeka-Yello and is expected to steer the party through a protracted leadership crisis that has hampered its operations in the state.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the PDP South-East Vice Chairman, Ali Odefa, urged members of the caretaker committee to remain steadfast and committed to rebuilding the party’s structures. He alleged that both internal and external forces had, for more than a year, worked to undermine the party’s stability.

Odefa said several consolidated legal disputes relating to the party’s leadership are currently before the Court of Appeal, with judgment already reserved. He expressed confidence that the outcome would clarify outstanding issues surrounding the state chapter.

He described Emeka-Yello as experienced and well-equipped for the task ahead, noting that the assignment would require courage and diplomacy.

In his acceptance remarks, Emeka-Yello characterized his appointment as a call to service, sacrifice, and selfless leadership. He acknowledged that the party in Abia State had suffered a deep leadership crisis that weakened its structures and dampened morale, stressing that reconciliation and unity would be the committee’s primary focus.

However, the move has been rejected by a faction of the Abia PDP aligned with former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike. The group described the caretaker committee as illegal, thereby intensifying the internal rift within the party.

The latest development highlights ongoing tensions within one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties. Observers say the pending appellate court ruling is likely to determine the legitimacy of both the newly inaugurated caretaker committee and the opposing faction, as the party seeks to reposition itself ahead of future elections in Abia State.