Senator Mao Ohuabunwa has emerged as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), succeeding former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara.
The development was confirmed in a statement personally signed by Ohuabunwa on Friday in Abuja.
According to him, his emergence followed the suspension of Wabara months ago by the Abia State chapter of the PDP—a decision that left the party’s influential BoT leadership position vacant until now.
Ohuabunwa’s appointment, the statement explained, marks a new phase in the PDP’s internal leadership restructuring as the party intensifies efforts to reposition itself ahead of future elections.
Until his appointment, Senator Ohuabunwa represented Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly between 2015 and 2019. He currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the University of Port Harcourt.
A veteran lawmaker, Ohuabunwa previously served two terms in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2007, representing the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency. During that period, he was elected Deputy House Leader and also served as the leader of the South East Caucus in the National Assembly.
Beyond his legislative record, Ohuabunwa has remained a strong pillar within the PDP. He is a member of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) and has played key roles in party organization and election campaigns.
Notably, he chaired the Abia State PDP Campaign Advisory Council ahead of the 2023 general elections, where he helped consolidate the party’s grassroots support in the South East.
Describing him as a respected voice in national and regional politics, the statement noted that Ohuabunwa has consistently advocated for equity and power balance within the PDP.
The PDP Board of Trustees, often referred to as the party’s “conscience,” serves as its highest advisory organ—providing strategic guidance to the National Working Committee (NWC) and ensuring adherence to the founding principles of the party.
With Ohuabunwa now at the helm, expectations are high that the BoT will take on a more active role in steering the PDP’s reconciliation and rebuilding process as it prepares for upcoming elections.
