PDP
Olamilekan Abayomi
Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu have been elected as National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The election took place at the party’s national convention in Abuja, with over 2,500 delegates endorsing the 19-member National Working Committee (NWC) and other national officers.
The motion for their election was moved by House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, and seconded by Usaman Admu. Other elected officials include Aaron Chukwuemeka as Deputy National Chairman (South), Yusufu Nya Akirikwen as Deputy National Chairman (North), and Kolawale Olabisi as Deputy National Secretary.
Wike, who identified himself as the national leader of the party, urged members to commit to rebuilding the party, saying “The PDP has not come here to mourn itself; the PDP has come here to renew itself”. He expressed confidence that the party would field candidates in the 2027 elections.
The PDP has been entangled in an internal crisis, leading to the emergence of two factions. The Wike-backed faction has positioned itself as a counterbalance to other groups within the party, arguing for reforms and more transparent processes in party governance.
The rival faction led by Kabiru Turaki boycotted the convention, describing it as unconstitutional, and has approached the Supreme Court to challenge its removal. Ini Ememobong, spokesperson for the Turaki faction, stated that his bloc would not attend.
The convention was attended by prominent party members, including former governors Ayo Fayose, Samuel Ortom, and Okezie Ikpeazu, as well as former Senate President Bukola Saraki. The party’s door of reconciliation remains open, with the Wike-backed faction expressing willingness to engage in dialogue.
The election of Mohammed and Anyanwu marks a significant development in the PDP’s internal crisis. The party’s ability to present a credible alternative to the ruling party depends on its internal cohesion.
The Wike-backed faction has insisted that the convention is lawful, citing recent court rulings that nullified the rival leadership. The faction has also stated that it will proceed with the convention despite the Turaki faction’s rejection.
The PDP’s internal crisis has raised concerns about its ability to field candidates in the 2027 elections. However, Wike expressed confidence that the party would recover its mandate.
