INEC Recognises Wike-Backed PDP Leadership as Party Crisis Deepens

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a development that signals a major shift in the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.

The commission updated its official website to reflect a new National Working Committee (NWC), listing Abdulrahman Mohammed as the National Chairman.

Mohammed and other members of the NWC emerged during a national convention held on Sunday at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The recognition comes amid deep divisions within the PDP, which has been split between rival factions. A bloc led by former National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, had approached the Supreme Court seeking to stop the Wike-backed group from holding the convention.

Despite the legal challenge, the exercise went ahead, producing a full slate of national officers now acknowledged by INEC.

Addressing party members at the convention, Wike declared that the PDP had overcome a prolonged leadership crisis and regained control of its internal structure.

He credited party loyalists for what he described as reclaiming the party from divisive forces, insisting that the PDP had been “returned to its rightful owners — the people.”

The minister also commended grassroots supporters for sustaining the party through internal turbulence, while criticising what he termed the role of “opportunistic elite” in deepening the crisis.

Recognised PDP National Working Committee (NWC):

National Chairman: Abdulrahman Mohammed

Deputy National Chairman (South): Aaron Chukwuemeka

Deputy National Chairman (North): Yusufu Akirikwen

National Secretary: Samuel Anyanwu

Deputy National Secretary: Kolawale Olabisi

National Treasurer: Odeyemi Oladiran

Deputy National Treasurer: Lado Marke

National Financial Secretary: Eyim Henry

Deputy National Financial Secretary: Grema Kyari

National Organising Secretary: Umar Bature

Deputy National Organising Secretary: Efere Augustine

National Publicity Secretary: Jungudo Mohammed

Deputy National Publicity Secretary: Egwu Chidiebere

National Legal Adviser: Kamaldeen Ajibade

Deputy National Legal Adviser: Aloysius Uba

National Auditor: Osuoha Donatus

Deputy National Auditor: Adaba Seri Yatu

National Women Leader: Ogunshe Adedayo

Deputy National Women Leader: Hauwa Shinge

National Youth Leader: Ibrahim Aboki

Deputy National Youth Leader: Momoh Bashir

The development is expected to further intensify the leadership tussle within the opposition party, with attention now shifting to the courts and the political implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.