The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, a day after the party conducted its national convention at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Mohammed’s leadership is supported by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. INEC’s official records, checked on Monday, list Mohammed as the PDP National Chairman.
Other recognised members of the NWC include Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, Ahmed Mohammed as National Treasurer, Daniel Woyengikuro as National Financial Secretary, and Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, as National Legal Adviser.
The convention, which drew more than 2,000 delegates representing all 36 states, formally elected Mohammed and the other NWC members. Among the attendees were former Senate President Bukola Saraki and ex-governors Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Samuel Ortom (Benue).
Internal Party Dispute
The PDP has faced a prolonged internal leadership dispute, resulting in two competing factions. One group, led by Tanimu Turaki and backed by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, claims party leadership, while the Wike-supported faction controls the other.
The conflict intensified following a convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025, which led to numerous legal proceedings. On March 9, the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court ruling that barred the PDP from holding the Ibadan convention.
In a March 23 judgment, a three-member appellate panel, led by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, rejected an appeal questioning the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction. The court found that the Ibadan convention violated the party’s constitutional guidelines.
The Turaki-led faction has since approached the Supreme Court to challenge the appellate decision.