The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally recognised the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party’s National Working Committee backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a move that signals a major shift in the party’s internal power structure.
The development was reflected on the commission’s official platform on Monday, where the updated list of the opposition party’s national leadership was published, confirming the emergence of a new leadership following the party’s recent national convention in Abuja.
Among those recognised are Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, alongside other members who now make up the party’s top decision making body.
Both Abdulrahman and Anyanwu emerged during the PDP National Convention held on Sunday night at the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where party stakeholders converged to chart a new course for the opposition ahead of future political contests.
The convention also marked the dissolution of the party’s National Caretaker Committee, paving the way for the emergence of a substantive National Working Committee through a consensus arrangement that saw key positions filled without contest.
Other members recognised by the electoral body include Aaron Chukwuemeka as Deputy National Chairman South, Yusufu Akirikwen as Deputy National Chairman North, Kolawale Olabisi as Deputy National Secretary, Odeyemi Oladiran as National Treasurer, and Lado Marke as Deputy National Treasurer.
The list also features Eyim Henry as National Financial Secretary, Grema Kyari as Deputy National Financial Secretary, Umar Bature as National Organising Secretary, and Efere Augustine as Deputy National Organising Secretary.
Also named are Jungudo Mohammed as National Publicity Secretary, Egwu Chidiebere as Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Kamaldeen Ajibade as National Legal Adviser, and Aloysius Uba as Deputy National Legal Adviser.
Further appointments include Osuoha Donatus as National Auditor, Adaba Seri Yatu as Deputy National Auditor, Ogunshe Adedayo as National Women Leader, Hauwa Shinge as Deputy National Women Leader, Ibrahim Aboki as National Youth Leader, and Momoh Bashir as Deputy National Youth Leader.
The recognition by INEC is expected to have far reaching implications for the PDP, particularly amid ongoing internal disputes and alignments within the party. It effectively affirms the legitimacy of the leadership structure that emerged from the convention, strengthening the position of the faction aligned with Wike.
The development also comes at a critical time for the PDP as it seeks to reposition itself as a formidable opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections, with party unity and leadership stability seen as key factors in its future prospects.
With the electoral body’s acknowledgment now in place, attention is likely to shift to how the newly recognised leadership will manage internal reconciliation, consolidate its base, and navigate the complex political landscape in the lead up to the next electoral cycle.
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