The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its official website to recognise the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), less than 24 hours after the party’s 2026 National Convention in Abuja.
According to the commission’s latest listing, Abdulrahman Mohammed is confirmed as National Chairman, while Samuel Anyanwu is recognised as National Secretary.
The move signals institutional acknowledgement of the party’s leadership structure following the convention, where a new National Working Committee (NWC) reportedly emerged through consensus.
However, the development has intensified the party’s internal crisis. A faction led by Tanimu Turaki accused a rival group believed to be backed by Nyesom Wike of acting in contempt of court by proceeding with the convention despite ongoing legal proceedings.
In a statement on Tuesday the Turaki led group claimed the Abuja gathering was held in defiance of the Court of Appeal, where parties had earlier appeared to determine how the leadership dispute should be resolved.
The faction alleged that the organisers ignored pending litigation and undertook actions capable of affecting matters already under judicial consideration.
The group further stated that those behind the convention had been served with legal processes relating to an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, alongside other suits challenging the legitimacy of the exercise. It maintained that the validity of the convention is now subject to judicial determination.
The statement also referenced a fresh ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja granting a faction reportedly aligned with Wike access to the party’s national secretariat. Describing the judgment as unfavourable, the group said it had directed its legal team to file an immediate appeal.
With multiple court cases and competing claims to leadership, the PDP’s internal crisis has deepened, raising concerns over cohesion within Nigeria’s main opposition party as it heads toward future political contests.
