The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has effectively recognised the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, by inviting its leaders to represent the party at INEC’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in 2026.
The meeting, held in Abuja and chaired by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, was attended by Abdulrahman Mohammed, Acting National Chairman, and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Acting National Secretary, both members of the Wike-backed National Caretaker Committee. The rival faction led by Kabiru Turaki was absent from the meeting.
The development follows a recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which declined to compel INEC to recognise the Turaki-led faction. The ruling has been interpreted by the Wike-aligned group as judicial affirmation of its leadership position. INEC’s decision to invite the Mohammed-led faction is seen as compliance with the court ruling, despite the Turaki group’s pending appeal.
The PDP has been engulfed in a prolonged leadership crisis, with rival factions operating parallel party structures, including National Working Committees and conventions. Prior to this development, INEC had refrained from recognising either faction, citing conflicting court judgments.
However, INEC’s official records reportedly still list Umar Damagum as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, further highlighting the internal contradictions within the party.
Although INEC has not issued an official statement confirming recognition, sources within the Wike-backed faction described the invitation as confirmation of their status as the party’s recognised leadership.
The leadership crisis is expected to persist in the courts, with significant implications for the PDP’s unity and preparedness ahead of upcoming elections, including the 2027 general elections.
