INEC Recognises Wike-Backed PDP Leadership After Abuja Convention

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The development follows the PDP’s national convention held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where Mohammed and other NWC members were elected by over 2,000 delegates from across the 36 states.

Mohammed’s emergence is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Checks on INEC’s official platform on Monday confirmed his listing as the party’s National Chairman.

Other recognised members of the NWC include National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Treasurer Ahmed Mohammed, National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyengikuro, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade.

The convention attracted key political figures, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and ex-governors Ayodele Fayose, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Samuel Ortom, among others.

Ongoing Leadership Crisis

The recognition comes amid a lingering leadership crisis within the PDP, which has split the party into rival factions.

One faction, led by Tanimu Turaki and backed by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, continues to challenge the legitimacy of the Wike-backed leadership.

The crisis stems partly from disputes surrounding the party’s convention held in Ibadan in November 2025, which triggered a series of legal battles.

On March 23, the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court restraining the PDP from conducting the Ibadan convention. The appellate court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, held that the party violated constitutional provisions guiding the conduct of its convention.

However, the Turaki-led faction has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling, setting the stage for a prolonged legal and political battle over the party’s leadership.