The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has turned down a request from a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Samuel Anyanwu to postpone the Ekiti State governorship primaries, citing failure to meet legal standards.
The request, signed by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Anyanwu, was sent to INEC on November 6, 2025, under the title “postponement of PDP Ekiti state Congress/Governorship primary.” The letter claimed logistical challenges and promised to provide a new date later.
Despite the appeal, the primaries went ahead as scheduled on November 8, with Dr. Wole Oluyede winning the contest. He secured 279 votes, beating Funso Agent with 239 votes and Funmilayo Ogun with 17.
INEC responded on November 10 with a formal rejection. In a letter signed by Commission Secretary Mrs. Rose Oriaran Anthony, titled “re-resolution of the PDP NWC meeting and postponement of Ekiti state Congress abs governorship primary,” the electoral body stated that the submission did not meet the requirements outlined in its 2022 guidelines.
The letter emphasized that only notices jointly signed by the PDP’s recognized National Chairman and National Secretary are valid. It quoted the regulation: “the National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party shall jointly sign the notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting and submit the same to the Commission.”
INEC concluded by stating, “The commission hereby informs you that it has rejected your submission for non-compliance with the requirements of the Electoral Act. Thank you.”
This decision effectively nullifies Abdulrahman Mohammed’s claim to the role of acting national chairman, reinforcing INEC’s stance on procedural legitimacy within political parties.
Leave a comment