A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has formally ratified Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed as substantive National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, in a move aimed at resolving the party’s prolonged leadership crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ratification took place at a convention held in Abuja on Sunday, where approximately 2,500 delegates endorsed a 19-member National Working Committee (NWC) and other national officers.
The motion for the affirmation of the new leadership was moved by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, and seconded by Usman Admu, before being adopted by voice vote.
The newly affirmed leadership structure includes: Aaron Chukwuemeka as Deputy National Chairman (South); Yusufu Nya Akirikwen (SAN) as Deputy National Chairman (North); Kolawale Olabisi as Deputy National Secretary; Odeyemei Mackson Oladiran as National Treasurer Lado Dan Marke as Deputy National Treasurer
Other members of the NWC are Eyim Donatus Henry, Dr Grema Kyari, Umar Mohammed Bature, Efere Augustine, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, Egwu Goodluck Chidiebere, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Barr. Aloysius Chinemelu U. Uba, Osuoha Okechukwu Donatus, Dr Adaba Yatu, Ibrahim Bala Aboki, and Momoh Dejih Eugene Bashir.
Professor Ogunshe Adedayo and Hauwa Ahmed Shinge were also elected as National Women Leader and Deputy National Women Leader, respectively.
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The development marks a significant milestone for the Wike-aligned bloc, which has overseen the party’s caretaker structure since late 2025 following internal disputes and a series of court interventions that deepened divisions within the PDP.
The faction had earlier constituted a Caretaker Committee that installed Mohammed and Anyanwu in acting capacities. Sunday’s convention converted those positions into full four-year terms through what insiders described as a consensus arrangement.
Sources within the party disclosed that Wike played a pivotal role in facilitating the consensus, reportedly persuading other aspirants to step aside in the interest of unity. In recent public remarks, the FCT minister has maintained that the PDP remains Nigeria’s most structured opposition platform and pledged continued reconciliation efforts across party lines.
However, the convention has further exposed the cracks within the party. A rival faction associated with Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, and the earlier Ibadan convention that produced Kabiru Turaki as chairman, has rejected the legitimacy of the Wike-backed process.
The opposing group has signalled plans to pursue additional legal action, including approaching the Supreme Court, a move that could prolong the leadership tussle and cast uncertainty over the PDP’s internal cohesion.
Despite the tension, leaders at Sunday’s gathering stressed the urgency of rebuilding the party after its defeat in the 2023 general elections. In his acceptance remarks, Abdulrahman Mohammed called on members to close ranks and focus on repositioning the PDP as a credible alternative in future polls.
The party has been embroiled in persistent internal crises since 2023, marked by leadership changes, suspensions, expulsions, and legal battles that have weakened its organisational stability.
Supporters of the newly ratified NWC describe the development as a decisive step toward restoring order and preparing the PDP for the 2027 electoral cycle. However, political analysts caution that genuine reconciliation among all factions will be critical if the opposition party is to mount a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).