The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially recognised the faction of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party backed by Nyesom Wike, marking a major development in the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.
INEC updated its official records to reflect the new leadership that emerged from the party’s recent national convention held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. The commission listed Abdulrahman Mohammed as the duly recognised National Chairman, alongside other members of the newly constituted National Working Committee.
The decision comes despite a legal challenge mounted by a rival faction led by Kabiru Turaki, which had approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria seeking to stop the convention from taking place. However, the event proceeded as planned and produced a full list of party officials.
Speaking at the convention, Wike declared that the PDP had successfully overcome a prolonged internal crisis that once threatened its ility. He credited party loyalists for reclaiming control and restoring what he described as internal democracy.
Wike also criticised what he called divisive forces within the party, accusing some elites of promoting ethnic and regional tensions. He maintained that the party had now been “returned to its rightful owners,” highlighting the role of grassroots supporters in sustaining the PDP through challenging periods.
The recognition by INEC is seen as a significant boost for the Wike aligned faction, potentially strengthening its legitimacy ahead of future political contests. However, it is also likely to deepen divisions within the party, as the rival bloc continues to contest the leadership structure through legal and political channels.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the PDP faces the challenge of reconciling its internal differences while positioning itself as a credible opposition force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Leave a comment