PDP Leadership Crisis: Turaki, Wike Factions Clash Over INEC Recognition
The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has reaffirmed its claim to the party’s leadership, with National Chairman Tanimu Turaki (SAN) insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognises the NWC backed by PDP governors as the authentic leadership.
Turaki made the declaration during the presentation of the Certificate of Return to the party’s Ekiti governorship candidate, Oluwole Oluyede, at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Wednesday. He emphasized that all major stakeholders of the party were united behind the NWC.
The event saw the attendance of 30 PDP state chairmen, National Assembly members, NWC officials, party leaders, and supporters from Ekiti dressed in vibrant Ankara attire.
In response, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the faction aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, maintained that the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee remains the legitimate leadership of the PDP. Speaking to The PUNCH, Anyanwu accused Turaki of falsely claiming INEC recognition, asserting that the commission had been formally notified of the party’s leadership changes.
The current dispute traces back to the Ibadan convention on November 16, where PDP governors supported the election of Turaki and other NWC members for four-year terms. Despite a smooth transition from former Chairman Umar Damagum before his tenure officially ended on December 9, the Wike-aligned faction subsequently announced Mohammed, Anyanwu, and others as members of a 60-day caretaker committee.
While presenting Oluyede with his Certificate of Return, Turaki challenged rival factions to provide proof of INEC recognition for their own governorship candidate. He also expressed confidence in Oluyede’s chances in the June 20, 2026 Ekiti governorship election, noting that INEC had issued forms confirming the NWC’s activities in the state.
Oluyede, in his remarks, described Ekiti as a state of brilliance and integrity hindered by years of governance lapses. He pledged to restore good governance, revive the economy, strengthen communities, improve security, and ensure prosperity for residents. He urged aggrieved aspirants to drop court cases, warning that legal disputes could disrupt party unity.
PDP National Secretary Taofeek Arapaja criticized critics who previously declared the party dead but now fight to control it, stressing that party members must reconcile.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, represented by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), described the PDP crisis as “man-made and resolvable,” while House of Representatives Minority Whip Ali Isah expressed support for the Turaki-led NWC, emphasizing the importance of protecting democracy.
Turaki, addressing the gathered state chairmen, underscored the NWC’s commitment to returning the party to the grassroots and reclaiming political power in 2027. “Nigerians plead: if you cannot take us forward, take us back to 2015. But we will take power in 2027 and move Nigeria to the promised land,” he said.
Responding, Anyanwu dismissed Turaki’s claims of INEC recognition as “unfortunate and false,” insisting that the commission knows the caretaker committee led by Mohammed as the legitimate leadership. He challenged the Turaki-led faction to prove INEC’s recognition of their convention or activities, pointing out that the Ibadan court recently clarified it had no jurisdiction over the matter.
“All these claims are just for optics,” Anyanwu said. “The PDP remains intact under Acting National Chairman AbdulRahman Mohammed, who enjoys the support of all party faithful. Nigerians will soon see the truth.”
