PDP Crisis INEC recognition remains unresolved as rival factions clash over party leadership, raising concerns about the party’s 2027 election readiness

Seven days after the 20th elective national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to endorse the outcome, deepening a PDP Crisis INEC Recognition stalemate.

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The convention, organised by a bloc loyal to former National Chairman Umar Damagun, was held at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The event, however, faced opposition from a faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Delegates at the convention ratified the expulsion of Wike and 10 other senior leaders for alleged anti-party activities.

Kabiru Turaki, former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, was elected National Chairman by the Damagun bloc.

Other National Working Committee members included Hamza Koshe as Deputy Chairman (North), Daniel Woye as Deputy Chairman (South), Arapaja Gbola-Oladejo as National Secretary, and Ihediwa Nnabugwu as Deputy National Secretary.

The Wike-aligned faction responded by expelling Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Muhammed, among others, and subsequently clashed with the Turaki bloc at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja. Police later cordoned off Wadata Plaza to prevent further escalation.

Despite the convention and submission of leadership names to INEC, the commission still lists Damagun and Anyanwu as National Chairman and Secretary respectively. INEC’s Director of Voter Education, Victoria Eta-Messi, declined to comment on the delay in recognition.

The Turaki bloc, through spokesperson Ini Ememobong, expressed surprise over the delay, insisting that the leadership elected at the convention is legitimate and recognised under the law.

“It is the duty of the commission to recognise us. The convention has already produced the only legitimate leadership,” he said.

Wike’s faction, led by National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, rejected these claims, warning that ongoing hostilities could jeopardise the PDP’s ability to field credible candidates in the 2027 elections.

Both sides have hinted at possible legal battles, with the matter expected to reach the Supreme Court.

Senior PDP chieftains, including Segun Sowunmi and Bakene, urged reconciliation, warning that parallel lists of candidates and factionalism could undermine the party’s electoral chances.

They called for a caretaker arrangement to stabilise the party and ensure its readiness for the 2027 polls.

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As the dispute continues, party leaders emphasise that only the Turaki-led National Working Committee has the constitutional authority to engage with INEC and submit candidates’ names. Minority factions, they argue, should not be allowed to disrupt the party’s operations or its election preparations.