Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has officially recognised the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Nyesom Wike, marking a major twist in the party’s internal leadership tussle.
The commission updated its official records on Monday, listing Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, alongside other members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Both leaders emerged from the PDP National Convention held Sunday night at the Abuja National Stadium velodrome, where party officials were returned through a consensus arrangement following the dissolution of the caretaker committee.
The convention, however, was not without controversy, as it deepened the ongoing rift within the opposition party. The recognised NWC is backed by Wike, while a rival faction loyal to former Senate President Bukola Saraki had earlier set up a caretaker committee to manage party affairs.
INEC’s recognition is widely seen as a decisive boost for the Abdulrahman-led leadership, strengthening its claim to legitimacy amid the leadership crisis.
Reactions have continued to trail the development, with some party stakeholders expressing hope that the decision could help stabilise the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. Others, however, warn it may further entrench divisions within the party.
The PDP has been grappling with prolonged internal disputes, as competing interests battle for control. With INEC’s latest move, attention now shifts to whether the party can reconcile its differences and mount a credible challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.
