The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party escalated on Thursday following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s recognition of a caretaker committee backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The move triggered outrage within the camp loyal to the PDP governors, led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as national chairman of the party.
On Thursday, the caretaker committee, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and caretaker secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, were invited for the quarterly meeting of the political parties with the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The PUNCH noted that Mohammed occupied a front-row seat designated “PDP Chairman,” while Anyanwu sat behind him on a seat labelled “PDP National Secretary.”
After the closed-door session, Anyanwu told journalists, “Yes, we were invited yesterday as the recognised leadership of the PDP, and we are here to participate in this crucial consultative meeting between INEC and political parties to deliberate on party matters and electoral issues.
“The recent court judgment has effectively resolved the crisis that had been affecting the PDP. The party’s leadership remains intact under Abdulrahman Mohammed and me, and we are fully prepared to reposition the party ahead of future elections.”
He said the PDP would present a candidate in the 2027 election, adding that the caretaker committee was set to assume control of Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of the party, on Monday.
“Last Friday, as a matter of fact, the Federal High Court made it very clear that the problem of leadership is over, because the so-called convention of November 15th, 16th, 2025, is a nullity and that no other person should parade himself or herself as a member of the National Working Committee of the PDP.
“That the only recognised body of the PDP that has the full powers to speak for the party, to work for the party, is the National Working Committee led by Honourable Abdulrahman Mohammed.”
Explaining why the faction had not yet taken over the party headquarters, Anyanwu said legal and security issues needed to be resolved.
He added that a recent effort by the Turaki faction to use the police to prevent their access was overturned by the courts.
“Police took over the place, and then the other group went to court to ask the police to reopen, and the matter was dismissed because they had no locus. So, by Monday, we are taking over the office,” he said.
Anyanwu assured party supporters that resolving the crisis would enable the PDP to present candidates in the forthcoming elections.
He stated, “Party members are pleased, as concerns that the PDP might not field candidates in the upcoming elections have been resolved; the party will now present candidates across all positions.”
The governors aligned with the Turaki-led National Working Committee have, however, begun considering legal action, following the recognition of the Wike-backed caretaker committee by INEC.
The faction, in a statement through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, criticised INEC for recognising the Wike-backed caretaker committee, calling the move unconstitutional and provocative.
