February 07, (THEWILL) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that it has not endorsed or recognized the Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The commission emphasized that the attendance of specific individuals at its recent consultative meeting in Abuja should not be interpreted as official validation of any leadership claim.
On Thursday, February 5, 2026, leaders of a PDP faction supported by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, attended INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with political parties.
The factional National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, were present alongside representatives of other registered political parties.
Responding to speculations that their presence signaled a shift in recognition, INEC’s Deputy Director of Publicity, Wilfred Osilama Ifogah, explained that invitations were sent to the PDP as a registered entity rather than to specific individuals.
“Invites are sent to the party, not to individuals,” Ifogah said, noting that such correspondence is typically addressed to the party’s chairman and secretary.
He stressed that INEC does not determine which officials a party chooses to send as its representatives.
“Whoever the party sends as their representative is okay by the commission, because the letters are sent to the party, not the individual.”
Addressing the fact that only one group represented the PDP at the session, Ifogah dismissed claims that this constituted a formal exclusion of other groups, such as the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee.
He maintained that the commission does not verify or interrogation the internal status of representatives as long as the party responds to the invitation.
“As far as the party is concerned, we are not sure who comes. It’s just the party that sends people,” Ifogah said.
He reiterated that internal leadership disputes fall outside the commission’s constitutional mandate, adding, “The internal crisis has nothing to do with us. We don’t bother about that. Whenever they settle, we work.”
The commission advised all political parties to resolve their leadership crises ahead of critical electoral activities, such as the FCT Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
Ifogah warned that unresolved disputes could hamper a party’s participation in time-bound processes.
“Whoever the substantive leadership of the party is should sign those documents so that they can be part of the process. If not, when the activity is time-bound and they need something, that’s their cup of tea,” he added.
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