The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Thursday after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally recognised a caretaker committee aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a development that has triggered outrage within the camp loyal to PDP governors led by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
INEC’s action, which effectively conferred official legitimacy on the Wike-backed faction, has widened the leadership rift within Nigeria’s main opposition party and raised fresh concerns over its stability ahead of the 2027 general elections. The recognition followed a recent Federal High Court judgment nullifying the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025, which produced a National Working Committee (NWC) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
On Thursday, the INEC-recognised caretaker committee, chaired by Abdulrahman Mohammed with Samuel Anyanwu as secretary, participated in the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja. Observers noted that Mohammed occupied a front-row seat labelled “PDP Chairman,” while Anyanwu sat directly behind him on a seat marked “PDP National Secretary,” a symbolic but potent affirmation of INEC’s position.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, Anyanwu confirmed that the committee attended the meeting as the recognised leadership of the PDP. He said the court judgment had effectively resolved the protracted leadership crisis and restored order within the party.
“We were invited as the recognised leadership of the PDP to participate in this crucial consultative meeting between INEC and political parties,” Anyanwu said. “The recent judgment of the Federal High Court has put to rest the leadership dispute. The PDP leadership remains intact under Abdulrahman Mohammed and myself, and we are fully prepared to reposition the party ahead of future elections.”
Anyanwu further disclosed that the caretaker committee would assume control of the party’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Monday, following the resolution of outstanding legal and security concerns. He accused the Turaki-led faction of previously using the police to block access to the secretariat, an action he said was overturned by the courts due to lack of locus standi.
He added that the committee was confident the PDP would field candidates in all forthcoming elections, including the 2027 polls, dismissing fears that the leadership crisis could cripple the party’s electoral prospects.
“Party members are relieved that concerns about the PDP’s ability to present candidates have been addressed. The party will now field candidates across all positions,” Anyanwu stated.
However, the recognition of the caretaker committee has drawn sharp condemnation from the Turaki-led NWC and governors aligned with it. In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the faction described INEC’s action as unconstitutional, provocative, and capable of destabilising the polity.
The statement accused the electoral commission of overstepping its constitutional role by recognising a body not provided for in the PDP constitution, especially while critical aspects of the leadership dispute remain before the Court of Appeal.
“We are aware that INEC invited the leaders of political parties to a meeting and extended the invitation to some former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee,” the statement read. “There is no such provision in our constitution. Though ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing a breach of peace, this action will be met with all available legal responses.”
The Turaki faction urged party members nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of pending appeals, insisting that INEC lacks the authority to impose leadership on the party.
“We can assure Nigerians that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party,” Ememobong said, adding that the PDP’s “rebirth movement” under Turaki remained steady and would ultimately overcome the crisis to present a united and credible alternative to the ruling party.
