By Adesakin Adefemi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised the faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The electoral body reflected the development on its official website on Monday, where it published the updated leadership of the opposition party.
Those listed include Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, alongside other members of the party’s national leadership.
Both Abdulrahman and Anyanwu emerged during the PDP National Convention held on Sunday night at the velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja.
The convention, which was marked by controversy, saw members of the NWC re-elected through consensus after the national caretaker committee was dissolved. The INEC recognition is seen as a significant development in the ongoing power struggle within the PDP.
The Wike-backed faction has been at odds with another faction led by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who had earlier installed a caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs. However, the Abdulrahman-led NWC has gained the upper hand, with INEC’s recognition lending credence to their claim.
The development has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with some expressing optimism that the PDP will now be able to regroup and present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections. Others, however, have expressed concerns about the implications of the INEC recognition for the party’s internal dynamics.
The PDP has been facing internal strife in recent months, with various factions vying for control of the party. The recognition of the Wike-backed NWC is seen as a significant victory for the minister, who has been accused of using his influence to shape the party’s leadership.
The INEC recognition is also seen as a test of the electoral body’s ability to remain neutral in the face of intense political pressure. The commission has been under fire for its handling of electoral disputes in the past, and the PDP recognition is being seen as a litmus test for its independence.
As the PDP navigates this new development, all eyes will be on the party’s ability to unite and present a strong challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
