PDP leadership rift widens as Turaki insists INEC recognises his NWC, while Wike’s faction rejects the claim and asserts legitimacy
National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tanimu Turaki, has insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission recognises the governors-backed National Working Committee as the authentic leadership of the party, intensifying the widening PDP leadership rift.
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Turaki made the assertion on Wednesday at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja during the presentation of the Certificate of Return to the PDP Ekiti governorship candidate, Dr Oluwole Oluyede.
The ceremony drew 30 state chairmen, National Assembly members, senior party figures and supporters from Ekiti who arrived in colourful Ankara attire.
Turaki said the presence of key party stakeholders demonstrated unity behind the NWC. Displaying INEC forms he said were issued to the committee, he challenged rival leaders to present evidence of official recognition for their own governorship candidate.
He said the party’s structure had remained intact since the Ibadan convention of 16 November, where he and other NWC members were elected for four-year terms. He added that the NWC would return the party to the grassroots and restore its political dominance ahead of 2027.
Dr Oluyede, winner of the November primary, pledged to revive Ekiti’s economy, improve healthcare, empower young people and tackle insecurity. He urged aggrieved aspirants to withdraw court cases, warning that internal disputes could weaken the party.
However, the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rejected Turaki’s claims.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the faction, told The PUNCH that the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee remained the legitimate leadership of the PDP and insisted that INEC had been formally notified of the change.
Anyanwu described Turaki’s statement as inaccurate, stating that the commission did not monitor the Ibadan convention and had no dealings with the NWC elected there.
He questioned why the committee was seeking a court order in Ibadan compelling INEC recognition if it was already assured.
He said similar issues had arisen in the past, citing instances where INEC refused to recognise individuals presented by the Turaki-aligned camp.
He added that the present dispute was man-made and resolvable but required honesty and respect for party procedures.
Earlier in the day, at a meeting with PDP state chairmen in Abuja, Turaki reiterated that those claiming to lead factions were not recognised by the party.
He argued that with 29 state chairmen physically present and two sending apologies, the NWC retained overwhelming support across the federation.
Party leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, represented by Senator Abdul Ningi, and House of Representatives Minority Whip Ali Isah, pledged support for Turaki’s leadership and urged members to protect democratic principles in the face of internal tension.
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As the disagreement escalates, both factions continue to claim legitimacy, deepening uncertainty within the party ahead of the Ekiti governorship election scheduled for 20 June 2026.
