The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in compliance with a recent judgement of the Federal High Court.
The decision followed the court’s ruling in Ibadan, Oyo State, which sacked the faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki. INEC’s compliance became evident when it extended invitations to Mohammed’s group to attend its first regular consultative meeting with political parties for 2026, held Thursday in Abuja.
Both Mohammed and embattled Acting National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu attended the meeting at INEC headquarters. The quarterly consultative session is reserved for national chairmen and secretaries of all registered parties recognised by the commission.
Despite Turaki’s faction appealing the judgement, INEC proceeded with recognition of the Wike-backed group.
Also present were the caretaker committee of the Labour Party (LP) led by Senator Nenadi Usman, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Yilwatda Nentawe, and representatives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark, among others.
Labour Party Commends INEC
Senator Usman praised INEC for recognising her faction and inviting them to the meeting. A statement by her media aide, Ken Asogwa, said the commission’s action complied with the Federal High Court judgement delivered on January 21, 2026.
The LP leadership noted that INEC had earlier published the names of Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as Interim National Chairman and Secretary on its official portal. The latest invitation, they said, further legitimised their leadership.
“While the crisis that previously rocked the Labour Party was protracted and torturous, the party is pleased that this unfortunate chapter has now been firmly laid to rest,” the statement read.
The party expressed gratitude to supporters, the media, and pro-democracy advocates for their resilience during the leadership tussle.
PDP Reacts to Non-Invitation
Meanwhile, the PDP said it was not alarmed by INEC’s decision to exclude Turaki’s faction from the meeting.
In a statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary Comrade IniEmemobong accused INEC of inviting “former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee.”
He warned that the action, though “ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing widespread breach of peace,” would be met with legal responses.
The party told members to stay calm, saying they’re confident the Court of Appeal would soon determine the leadership disputes.
“The rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is steady and secure, and will ultimately surmount all these challenges,” the statement added.
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