PDP Crisis: INEC Nullifies Anyanwu’s Request Disowns Mohammed’s Acting Chair Claim

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Nigeria’s electoral commission has stepped into the ongoing leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rejecting a communication submitted by a faction of the party regarding the postponement of a major political event in Ekiti State.

The letter in question had requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to shift the date of the party’s governorship primary and related congresses in Ekiti. The correspondence was reportedly signed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu alongside Abdulrahaman Mohammed and cited logistical challenges as the reason for the proposed postponement.

However, the electoral body declined to recognise the request. INEC explained that the submission failed to comply with established legal requirements guiding official communication from political parties.

Despite the attempt to postpone the exercise, the PDP proceeded with its governorship primary election in Ekiti State on November 8, 2025. The contest produced Dr. Wole Oluyede as the winner after he secured a clear lead over other contenders in the race.

The voting outcome showed three candidates in the contest, with Oluyede polling the highest number of votes. Funso Agent came second in the exercise, while Funmilayo Ogun finished in third place with a smaller share of the ballots cast by party delegates.

Gossip News Now reports that the electoral commission later issued a formal reply explaining why the earlier request from the PDP faction was rejected. According to the commission, the communication did not follow the rules contained in the regulatory framework guiding political parties.

In its response, INEC stressed that official notices relating to party activities must be jointly endorsed by two specific officials within the party hierarchy. These are the national chairman and the national secretary.

Because the letter submitted to the commission did not meet that requirement, it was declared invalid under the provisions of the Electoral Act and the 2022 guidelines regulating political party operations.

The commission’s response, dated November 10, 2025, was signed by the Commission Secretary, Rose Oriaran Anthony. The letter informed the PDP leadership that the earlier request could not be processed due to non-compliance with the relevant regulations.

The development has also cast doubt on Abdulrahaman Mohammed’s claim to the position of acting national chairman within the party. By refusing to accept the letter signed under that authority, the electoral body effectively signaled that the leadership arrangement behind the request lacks official recognition.

Commentary and Analysis

The decision by INEC highlights how internal conflicts within political parties can sometimes spill into the institutional space where regulatory authorities are required to interpret the law.

In the case of the PDP, the dispute over leadership positions has created competing claims to authority, particularly regarding who has the legal right to sign official communications on behalf of the party.

Electoral experts note that such disagreements can have practical consequences for party operations. When factions issue conflicting directives or correspondence, regulatory bodies like INEC must rely strictly on constitutional procedures and documented leadership structures.

The rejection of the postponement request therefore underscores a broader message: political parties must resolve leadership disputes internally if they hope to maintain clarity in their official dealings with electoral authorities.

As the PDP continues to navigate its internal crisis, the outcome of these regulatory interventions may shape how the party manages future primaries and national leadership arrangements.