INEC backs Wike’s PDP faction as leadership crisis deepens

The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally recognised the leadership of the Peoples  Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, in a move that signals growing legitimacy for the faction backed by Nyesom Wike.

Online checks on INEC’s official portal on Monday confirmed Mohammed as the National Chairman of the PDP, alongside other members of the National Working Committee, including National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.

The development comes barely 24 hours after the party conducted its national convention at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where over 2,000 delegates from across the 36 states participated in electing a new leadership.

Notably, the convention drew key figures within the party, including former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, as well as ex-governors such as Ayodele Fayose, Okezie Ikpeazu and Samuel Ortom, reinforcing the weight behind the exercise.

However, the recognition is expected to deepen the PDP’s internal rift, as a rival faction led by Kabiru Turaki had earlier approached the Supreme Court in a bid to stop the convention organised by the Wike-backed camp.

The party has remained sharply divided since the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, with ongoing disputes over leadership, structure and direction ahead of 2027.

With INEC’s latest position, the balance of power appears to tilt further in favour of the Wike-aligned bloc, even as reconciliation efforts within the opposition party continue to face significant hurdles.