February 09, (THEWILL) — The political space was stirred on March 5, 2026 when the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, attended the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) quarterly. consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja.
The factional National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, were present at the session alongside leaders of other registered political parties.
Also in attendance was the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who assumed leadership of the ruling party in July 2025.
However, officials of the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) were conspicuously absent from the consultative meeting.
In a swift response, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong described the invitations extended to the Wike-backed faction as unauthorised and contrary to the party’s constitution. He warned that any attempt to interfere with the party’s leadership through such committees would be met with legal responses.
“The Rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is steady and secure, and will ultimately surmount all challenges to present a stronger and more united party to Nigerians”, Ememobong said.
The Kabiru Turaki-led party assured its members that there is “no cause for alarm” following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja, which was attended by leaders of a faction of the PDP backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
THEWILL recalls that a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, last Friday nullified the PDP’s National Convention held on November 15, 2025, sacking the Turaki-led NWC. Justice Uche Agomoh declared the convention illegal, unconstitutional, and null and void, and validated the Caretaker Committee led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed as the lawful body authorised to administer the party pending a fresh convention.
Despite the court ruling, the Turaki-led PDP criticised INEC for not exercising restraint, noting that matters regarding the party’s leadership are still pending at the Court of Appeal. The party emphasised that INEC would not determine the leadership of the PDP and urged members to remain calm and hopeful for a judicial resolution.
Reiterating its commitment to being a credible alternative to the ruling party, the Turaki-led PDP accused the current administration of bringing “untold sorrows, tears and blood to Nigerians.”
The statement comes amid heightened tensions within the PDP as it awaits the Court of Appeal’s judgement on ongoing leadership disputes, signalling continued internal party friction despite the Caretaker Committee’s court recognition.
Although the ruling has been challenged at the Court of Appeal, political observers noted that the attendance of the Wike-backed faction at the INEC meeting should not be interpreted as final official recognition by the commission.
Former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George described the invitation extended to the Wike-backed faction of the party by the INECas ‘irresponsible, illegal and absolute lunacy’.
“The Supreme Court stated clearly that political parties have the final say in their internal affairs. Where INEC is coming from in this matter is what I don’t understand. All those taking decisions in INEC, I don’t know if they were born in 1962 when the crisis that almost consumed this country started. Another one also happened in 1983.” He said, adding that, “INEC Chairman and others, I am warning you. Don’t burn this country. I am not afraid to say it.
We know the type of game you are playing but Nigeria is bigger than you people. What is going on does not make any sense. If Nigeria is okay, Africa will be okay. Don’t set Nigeria ablaze. Everything is being done to destroy opposition parties because of 2027 and it is unfortunate the role INEC is playing in this matter. Nigerians know that the character in INEC office today is not the PDP Chairman. We know our Chairman. Nobody can force a stranger on us. It is not going to work.”
Responding to the reports that it had endorsed or recognised the Wike-backed faction of the party, the INEC at the weekend clarified that the reports were misinformed.
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.
According to INEC’s Deputy Director of Publicity, Wilfred Osilama Ifogah, the invitations were sent to the PDP as a registered entity rather than to specific individuals.
He explained that Invitations are sent to the party, not to individuals, noting that such correspondence is typically addressed to the party’s chairman and secretary.
Arguing that INEC does not determine which officials a party chooses to send as its representatives, he maintained that whoever the party sends as their representative is okayed 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 interrogate 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 will come. 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.
Meanwhile, the Wike lead group has vowed to repossess the party’s Wadata National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday on the strength of its presence at the INEC meeting.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
