The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Thursday after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially recognised a caretaker committee aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The development sparked outrage among PDP governors loyal to Tanimu Turaki (SAN), who currently leads the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
The caretaker committee, headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed with Samuel Anyanwu as secretary, was invited to participate in a quarterly consultative meeting between INEC and political parties. During the session, Mohammed occupied a seat labelled “PDP Chairman,” while Anyanwu sat in the “PDP National Secretary” position.
After the meeting, Anyanwu told journalists that the court ruling recognising the Wike-backed committee had effectively resolved the party’s leadership crisis. He said the group would assume control of Wadata Plaza, the PDP national headquarters, on Monday.
“Last Friday, the Federal High Court made it clear that the so-called November 15–16, 2025 convention is null and void, and no other person should present themselves as a member of the PDP NWC. The only recognised body is the National Working Committee led by Honourable Abdulrahman Mohammed,” Anyanwu stated.
He explained that legal and security issues delayed the takeover of the headquarters, noting that a recent attempt by the Turaki faction to block access through police intervention was dismissed by the courts.
“By Monday, we will take over the office. Party members are pleased that concerns about presenting candidates in upcoming elections have been resolved,” Anyanwu added.
Meanwhile, the Turaki-led NWC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, condemned INEC’s recognition of the Wike-backed committee as unconstitutional and provocative. The faction accused INEC of overstepping its mandate and urged party members to remain patient while legal processes continue.
Ememobong stated, “We are aware that INEC invited certain individuals claiming to lead a caretaker committee. There is no such provision in our constitution. The matter will be addressed through legal channels, and members should remain calm as the Court of Appeal considers the pending cases concerning our party’s leadership.”
The Turaki-led NWC assured that the party would overcome its internal challenges and emerge stronger and more united ahead of future elections.
The recent Federal High Court ruling in Ibadan nullified the PDP national convention held on November 15, 2025, directing Turaki and other officers elected at the event to cease acting as national leaders of the party. Prior to the ruling, PDP governors had supported the Ibadan convention that elected Turaki and the NWC for a four-year term.
Following the court’s judgment, the Turaki faction said it would appeal and exhaust all available legal remedies, while the Wike-aligned bloc welcomed the ruling and pledged to organise a fresh convention to elect new leaders. Anyanwu described the decision as bringing an effective end to the PDP’s leadership crisis.
