INEC Formally Recognises Wike-Backed PDP Faction After Court Order

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, marking a major turning point in the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.

The recognition came to light after INEC invited the Wike-aligned caretaker leadership—headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed with Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary—to participate in its first quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders held in Abuja.

The meeting is reserved only for political parties and factional leaders that the commission acknowledges as legitimate, signalling a clear endorsement by INEC.

Court Ruling Triggered INEC’s Decision

INEC’s action follows a recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which directed the commission to recognise the Mohammed-led caretaker committee as the lawful leadership of the PDP. The court order effectively compelled INEC to adjust its engagement with the party amid a heated internal power struggle.

The PDP has been split into rival blocs for months, each claiming control of the party’s national structure ahead of the 2027 general elections. The court ruling strengthened the position of the Wike-backed faction, which has been pushing to consolidate control across various states.

Rival Faction Rejects Decision, Threatens Legal Battle

The faction aligned with Tanimu Turaki has condemned INEC’s move, warning that it amounts to the commission interfering in internal party affairs. The group insisted that PDP leadership can only be decided through established party processes, not external recognition.

Turaki’s bloc has also threatened to initiate fresh legal action against INEC, accusing the commission of taking sides in the PDP’s internal dispute.

The PDP’s official spokesperson echoed this stance, stressing that INEC “has no authority to choose party leaders,” and insisting that the party will challenge any actions deemed to violate its internal democracy.

Deepening Crisis Ahead of 2027 Elections

The development adds new intensity to the PDP’s leadership battle, with both factions doubling efforts to gain national legitimacy. Political observers note that whoever controls the PDP structure now will strongly influence the party’s primaries, convention plans, and preparations for the 2027 polls.

As it stands, the Wike-aligned faction enjoys the legal advantage—backed by the court ruling and INEC’s recognition—while the opposing bloc prepares to counter the move through the judiciary.

The situation is expected to unfold rapidly in the coming weeks as both groups continue to contest control of the opposition party’s soul.

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