The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership crisis has intensified after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognised a caretaker committee backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, prompting objections from the camp loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde and others.
The dispute within the main opposition party stems from competing claims to its leadership following internal disagreements and conflicting court rulings over the validity of the party’s November 2025 national convention.
At the Ibadan convention in November 2025, a National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) was elected for a four‑year term.
That convention and its outcomes were later nullified by a Federal High Court, which ruled that a caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu remained the recognised leadership pending a valid convention.
The caretaker committee, backed by Mr Wike, was invited to the quarterly consultative meeting between political parties and INEC, where its members were seated in positions designated for the PDP chairman and national secretary.
After the meeting, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, caretaker secretary of the committee, said they were present as the recognised leadership of the PDP and participated in discussions on party matters and electoral issues.
Anyuanwu said the recent court judgment resolved the internal crisis, reaffirmed the leadership of the caretaker committee, and prepared the party for future elections, including the 2027 general polls.
The Makinde‑aligned camp, led by Turaki as party national chairman, has criticised INEC’s action, describing the recognition of the Wike‑backed committee as unconstitutional and provocative.
Senator Anyanwu said: “Yes, we were invited yesterday as the recognised leadership of the PDP, and we are here to participate in this crucial consultative meeting between INEC and political parties to deliberate on party matters and electoral issues.”
He added: “The recent court judgment has effectively resolved the crisis that had been affecting the PDP. The party’s leadership remains intact under Abdulrahman Mohammed and me, and we are fully prepared to reposition the party ahead of future elections.”
The leadership dispute within the PDP highlights ongoing legal and organisational challenges facing Nigeria’s main opposition party as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The recognition of the Wike‑backed caretaker committee by INEC has drawn sharp criticism from rival factions and risks further legal confrontations that could affect the party’s preparations for fielding candidates in future polls.
