Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), has reaffirmed that his group represents the legitimate leadership of the PDP.

He explained that his faction assumed leadership after the group led by Senator Adolphus Wabara reportedly sided with one faction during the party’s ongoing crisis.

Speaking on Monday in an interview with Arise News, Ohuabunwa dismissed claims that his BoT faction is illegitimate or formed outside the party’s constitutional framework.

He said, “The reality is that there are currently two parallel National Working Committees. When one group suspended the other, we had to step in because the BoT, which is meant to serve as the party’s conscience, had taken sides.”

Ohuabunwa added, “Our BoT was established in accordance with the constitution, composed of members who support this vision. While it may not include everyone yet, others will join once they recognize that we are acting in the party’s best interest.”

He stressed that his faction intervened to restore unity, constitutional order, and discipline within the PDP, correcting what he described as leadership failures.

“Our goal is to recover and reconcile the party. Over time, we ignored our constitution, and the BoT remained silent. Had we acted earlier, there would have been no need for factionalism. The BoT serves as the conscience and compass of the PDP. We are fulfilling that role now, reaching out to all members to restore peace,” Ohuabunwa said.

Addressing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognition of the Umar Damagum-led PDP faction, he described it as a misunderstanding, according to Naija News.

“Previously, a letter signed by Damagum and the National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu, was sent to INEC regarding various congresses and primaries. INEC’s acknowledgment of that faction is not new; it predates the formation of our group,” he explained.

Ohuabunwa acknowledged leading a faction but emphasized that their focus remains on correcting mistakes and safeguarding the party’s principles.

He said, “Yes, we are a faction, but we are the conscience of the PDP. Our mission is to recover the party and restore it as a disciplined, democratic institution guided by its constitution.”