INEC Endorses Wike-Backed PDP Faction Convention Amidst Ongoing Disputes

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognized and monitored the national convention organized by the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, despite strong objections and legal challenges from a rival group led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

The convention, held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, proceeded under heavy security with INEC officials, including two National Commissioners (Sani Adams and Ken Ukeagu) and senior directors, present to observe the proceedings.

Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s arrival

Delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT gathered, numbering over 2,500, and adopted a consensus arrangement for elective positions, endorsing a new 19- to 21-member National Working Committee (NWC) and other national officers.

Key elections saw Abdulrahman Mohammed returned unopposed as National Chairman, while Senator Samuel Anyanwu

took the National Secretary role, also unopposed. Other affirmed officers include Aaron Chukwuemeka as Deputy National Chairman, South, Yusufu Nya Akirikwen (SAN) as Deputy National Chairman, North, Kolawale Olabisi as Deputy National Secretary, Odeyemei Mackson Oladiran as National Treasurer, and Lado Dan Marke as Deputy National Treasurer, among others completing the NWC structure, with House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda moving the adoption motion, seconded by Usaman Admu.

Nyesom Wike, who attended the event, described it as the “real convention” monitored by INEC and reaffirmed that the PDP would field candidates and remain on the ballot for the 2027 general elections.

He urged unity and positioned the party to recover lost grounds, including mandates from defectors. Former governors and stakeholders like Bukola Saraki were reportedly aligned with the process. The convention also featured cultural displays, with Wike seen dancing at the venue.

Leaders at the event emphasized the need for party stability and preparation for 2027, framing the gathering as a step toward restoring constitutional order within the PDP.

The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis stemming from conflicting court judgments over previous conventions (including one in Ibadan in November 2025).

INEC had earlier recognized the Wike-backed National Caretaker Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed following Federal High Court rulings, while rejecting or remaining cautious toward the Turaki-led NWC. This recognition enabled the faction to proceed with the Abuja convention.

FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike and Senator Samuel Anyanwu

The rival Tanimu Turaki faction strongly condemned the event in a press statement released on March 30, 2026, signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary.

The statement described the convention as a “pre-Easter jamboree of APC sympathisers and members of ‘Wike’s Autocratic Party’” held in “contempt of the Court of Appeal.” It accused the Wike group of proceeding despite pending appeals at the Supreme Court and other suits challenging the gathering.

The Turaki faction reiterated that it has approached the Supreme Court for a final determination on PDP leadership issues, arguing that internal party affairs should not be subject to external interference.

It also criticized a fresh Federal High Court judgment in Abuja (delivered by Justice Abdulmalik) that granted the Wike-backed group access to the PDP secretariat and directed security protection, vowing to appeal that ruling immediately.

The statement portrayed the crisis as part of a broader alleged effort by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government under President Bola Tinubu to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party state, citing poor performance in security, economy, and welfare.

Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki speaking at the convention

It urged PDP members and Nigerians to “keep hope alive” pending the Supreme Court’s intervention.

Wike and his allies have dismissed the Turaki faction’s Supreme Court appeal as “baseless” and insisted the convention would hold regardless, maintaining that their group represents the mainstream, legally recognized PDP structure.

The endorsement by INEC and the successful holding of the convention strengthen the Wike-backed faction’s control over the party’s national structure in the short term.

However, the parallel legal battles, including the pending Supreme Court appeal, mean the leadership tussle remains unresolved and could lead to further fragmentation or conflicting claims over party assets, secretariat, and candidate nominations ahead of 2027.

Political observers note that the crisis reflects deeper power struggles within the PDP, involving former governors, ministers, and regional blocs. Reconciliation talks have been mentioned in recent weeks, with some reports indicating both sides have “broken the ice,” but the convention appears to have escalated tensions rather than resolved them.

As the Supreme Court prepares to weigh in, the PDP’s ability to present a united front for future elections hangs in the balance.

Both factions claim to represent the true PDP and express commitment to multi-party democracy, but the immediate future depends on judicial outcomes and any potential out-of-court settlements.

The development comes as Nigeria’s major opposition party grapples with internal divisions less than two years before the next general elections.

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