INEC Updates PDP Leadership, Backs Wike-Aligned Faction

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised a new leadership structure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aligning with the faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The development was reflected on INEC’s official portal on Monday, where the updated list of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) members was published following the PDP’s recent national convention in Abuja.

At the convention, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, delegates endorsed Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, alongside other key officials. The new leadership emerged through a consensus process after the dissolution of the party’s national caretaker committee.

INEC’s recognition is significant, as it confers legal backing on party leadership for purposes such as candidate nomination, electoral participation and official communication with the commission. Analysts say the move could influence the balance of power within the PDP, which has been grappling with internal divisions since the 2023 general elections.

The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has faced a series of leadership crises in recent years, with competing factions laying claim to its national structure. The endorsement of the Wike-backed group is expected to deepen political realignments within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Other members of the newly recognised NWC include deputy national chairmen, national officers for finance, publicity, legal affairs and youth mobilisation, reflecting a full leadership structure intended to stabilise party operations.

Members of the NWC were re-elected through consensus after the national caretaker committee was dissolved.

Below is the list of elected members.

Abdulrahman Mohammed — National Chairman
Aaron Chukwuemeka — Deputy National Chairman (South)
Yusufu Akirikwen — Deputy National Chairman (North)
Anyanwu Samuel — National Secretary
Kolawale Olabisi — Deputy National Secretary
Odeyemi Oladiran — National Treasurer
Lado Marke — Deputy National Treasurer
Eyim Henry — National Financial Secretary
Grema Kyari — Deputy National Financial Secretary
Umar Bature — National Organising Secretary
Efere Augustine — Deputy National Organising Secretary
Jungudo Mohammed — National Publicity Secretary
Egwu Chidiebere — Deputy National Publicity Secretary
Kamaldeen Ajibade — National Legal Adviser
Aloysius Uba — Deputy National Legal Adviser
Osuoha Donatus — National Auditor
Adaba Seri Yatu — Deputy National Auditor
Ogunshe Adedayo — National Women Leader
Hauwa Shinge — Deputy National Women Leader
Ibrahim Aboki — National Youth Leader
Momoh Bashir — Deputy National Youth Leader

Political observers note that internal cohesion within opposition parties remains critical to mounting an effective challenge to the ruling party. However, lingering disputes over leadership and control of party structures could affect the PDP’s ability to present a united front.

With INEC’s recognition now in place, attention is likely to shift to how the party reconciles its factions and rebuilds its political base in the months leading to the next electoral cycle.

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