The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed as the legitimate leadership of the opposition party.
Mohammed’s faction is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, further solidifying the influence of the former Rivers State governor within the party.
Checks on INEC’s official platform on Monday confirmed that Mohammed has been listed as the PDP 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, SAN.
This development follows the PDP’s national convention held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where Mohammed and other members of the NWC emerged through an election involving over 2,000 delegates from across the 36 states.
Prominent party figures present at the convention included former Senate President Bukola Saraki, alongside former governors Ayodele Fayose, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Samuel Ortom, among others.
Despite this recognition, the PDP remains divided into two major factions. The group led by Kabiru Turaki had earlier approached the Supreme Court seeking to restrain the Wike-backed camp from conducting the national convention, further deepening the party’s leadership crisis.
INEC’s recognition of Mohammed’s leadership is expected to have significant implications for the ongoing legal and political tussle within the PDP as the party prepares for future elections.
What you should know
INEC’s recognition of Abdulrahman Mohammed as PDP National Chairman strengthens the Wike-backed faction’s legitimacy in the ongoing leadership crisis.
This move could influence court proceedings and internal party dynamics as rival factions continue their legal battle. The PDP’s unity remains uncertain, with divisions posing a major challenge ahead of the 2027 elections.
How the party resolves its internal conflicts will determine its strength as a credible opposition force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
