INEC Summons Feuding PDP Factions Over Leadership Crisis

Spread the love

Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission, has convened a meeting involving opposing factions within the Peoples Democratic Party in an effort to address the party’s deepening leadership conflict.

The meeting, which is taking place at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, brings together representatives from two competing groups that have both laid claim to the party’s national leadership.

On one side of the dispute is the faction led by Tanimu Turaki, while the opposing bloc is headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that the session is being conducted behind closed doors as the electoral commission attempts to facilitate dialogue between the two camps.

Members of Turaki’s National Working Committee reportedly attended the meeting alongside secretariat officials and other party stakeholders.

Among those present with the Turaki group is former Niger State governor Babangida Aliyu.

Representatives of the opposing faction were also present at the meeting.

Abdulrahman Mohammed arrived with members of his national caretaker committee, including the panel’s secretary, Sam Anyanwu.

The leadership struggle within the PDP has been further complicated by recent actions taken by the caretaker committee aligned with former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike.

That committee recently announced the dissolution of executive committees in fourteen state chapters of the party.

In addition to dissolving the affected state leadership structures, the group revealed plans to conduct fresh congresses in those states.

According to the announcement, the proposed congresses are expected to take place in January 2026.

Supporters of the caretaker committee insist that their structure represents the legitimate national leadership of the party.

They maintain that Abdulrahman Mohammed should be recognised as Acting National Chairman while Sam Anyanwu continues to serve as Acting National Secretary.

This position was reaffirmed in a communiqué released after a meeting of the committee held in Abuja.

The statement was delivered by the acting publicity secretary of the group, Haruna Jungun.

The conflict traces its roots to disagreements surrounding the PDP national convention held in Ibadan on November 16.

At that gathering, delegates elected Tanimu Turaki and other members of a National Working Committee to serve four-year terms.

However, the rival faction has rejected the outcome of the convention and refused to recognise the leadership produced by the event.

Commentary and Analysis

The PDP leadership crisis highlights the internal challenges that often confront large political parties in Nigeria.

Disputes over conventions, leadership mandates, and party structures frequently lead to factional divisions that can weaken organisational cohesion.

INEC’s involvement suggests the seriousness of the situation, as prolonged disputes within political parties can affect electoral preparations and political stability.

If unresolved, such conflicts could complicate candidate selection processes and reduce the party’s ability to present a unified front in future elections.

For the PDP, which has long been one of Nigeria’s dominant political forces, restoring internal unity may prove crucial as the country moves closer to the next electoral cycle.

Observers note that the outcome of the reconciliation effort could significantly influence the party’s political strength and credibility nationwide.