INEC declares Wike-backed PDP as authentic

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

The commission explained that its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

INEC stated that it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

The PDP is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis, with two rival factions vying for control.

The factions are led by Turaki and Abdulrahman Mohammed, with the latter backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while the former is backed by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

The crisis began after the party’s national convention in Ibadan, where Turaki was elected as the national chairman, but the Wike-aligned faction disputed the outcome, citing court orders restraining the convention.

Earlier, INEC summoned both factions to a meeting to resolve the crisis, but the party’s problems run deeper.

The PDP’s internal conflicts have led to court battles, with both factions claiming to be the legitimate leadership. The situation has also led to concerns about the party’s ability to effectively challenge the ruling party in the 2027 elections.

The Turaki-led faction claims to have the support of most PDP governors and has been recognized by INEC, although the commission stated earlier that it will await the outcome of court proceedings before taking a decision.

On the other hand, the Wike-backed faction announced plans to conduct fresh congresses in 14 states, further deepening the party’s crisis.