Abuja, February 5, 2026 – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has effectively recognised the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, by inviting its leaders to represent the party at the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in 2026.

The meeting, held today in Abuja and chaired by INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, saw Abdulrahman Mohammed (Acting National Chairman) and Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Acting National Secretary) of the Wike-aligned National Caretaker Committee attending as PDP representatives. The rival faction led by Kabiru Turaki was notably absent.

This development follows a recent Federal High Court judgment in Ibadan, which declined to compel INEC to recognise the Turaki-led leadership and has been interpreted by the Wike group as affirming their legitimacy. INEC’s invitation to the Mohammed-led faction signals compliance with the court ruling, despite the Turaki group appealing the decision.

The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis, with competing factions establishing parallel structures, including National Working Committees and conventions. Earlier, INEC had declined to recognise either side outright, citing multiple subsisting court judgments.

A check on INEC’s official records still lists Umar Damagum as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary, adding to the complexity. The recognition comes as preparations intensify for upcoming elections, including local polls and the 2027 general elections.

No official statement has been issued by INEC on the recognition, but sources within the Wike-backed faction described the invitation as confirmation of their status as the recognised leadership.

The crisis is expected to continue in the courts, with implications for the opposition party’s cohesion ahead of 2027.