TDNigeria’s political landscape has been thrown into fresh controversy as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to list Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the recognised National Chairman and National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on its official portal, despite a recent Court of Appeal ruling that nullified their leadership.
The ruling, delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division between June 3–6, 2026 (with a Certified True Copy dated June 5), was presided over by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam.
The appellate court set aside portions of a Federal High Court judgment from Ibadan, Justice Uche Agomoh.
Justice Agomoh had earlier recognised the factional caretaker committee led by Mohammed and Anyanwu.
Court’s Findings
The Court of Appeal held that the lower court acted ultra petita—granting reliefs not sought by any party.
It further noted that the dispute was tied to the controversial November 2025 Ibadan National Convention.
The convention had already been nullified by earlier appellate and Supreme Court rulings.
On April 30, 2026, the Supreme Court, in a 3–2 split decision, upheld the nullification of the Ibadan convention, citing disobedience of court orders.
The apex court dismissed related appeals and cross-appeals, effectively rendering the convention and its derived structures invalid.
Justice Onyemenam’s panel emphasised that since the convention had already been invalidated, no benefit could accrue from further adjudicating the appeal, making the issue academic.
INEC’s Position
Despite these clear judicial pronouncements, INEC’s website continues to list the Mohammed/Anyanwu-led faction as the PDP’s National Working Committee.
This recognition is widely interpreted as aligning with the faction linked to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Wike, a former Rivers State Governor, has been a dominant force in the party’s internal battles.
Critics argue that INEC’s stance disregards the appellate court’s ruling and undermines judicial authority.
Legal analysts warn that such defiance could deepen Nigeria’s political instability, especially as the PDP prepares for upcoming electoral contests.
Below are the party officials as published by INEC today, Tuesday, June 9, 2026:
| PDP | Peoples Democratic Party |
|---|---|
| National Chairman | Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed |
| National Secretary | Senator Samuel Anyanwu |
| National Treasurer | Odeyemei Mackson Oladiran |
| National Financial Secretary | Eyim Donatus Henry |
| National Legal Adviser | Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN |
| Address | Plot 1970 Wadata Plaza, Michael Okpara Way, Wuse |
| Phone Number | (blank) |
Broader Context
The PDP has been engulfed in factional disputes since late 2025, with rival groups loyal to figures such as Wike and Kabiru Turaki battling for control of the party’s structures.
- On March 9, 2026, the Court of Appeal upheld a Federal High Court ruling (Justice James Omotosho) restraining INEC from recognising outcomes of the Ibadan convention.
- The same ruling affirmed suspensions of key figures, including Senator Anyanwu.
- The Supreme Court’s April 30 decision reinforced the nullification of the convention, but left unresolved questions about leadership succession, creating a vacuum exploited by rival factions.
The June 2026 appellate ruling further weakened the legal basis for the Mohammed/Anyanwu caretaker committee, yet INEC’s portal update continues to validate their leadership.
Reactions
Political observers say INEC’s recognition of the Wike-linked faction could embolden one side of the PDP crisis while alienating others, potentially leading to fresh litigation.
Civil society groups have expressed concern that INEC’s actions erode public confidence in the electoral umpire’s neutrality.
“When INEC disregards clear judicial rulings, it sets a dangerous precedent for rule of law and democratic governance,” one analyst told This Dawn.
Meanwhile, PDP factions continue to issue conflicting statements.
While the Mohammed/Anyanwu group insists it remains the legitimate leadership, rival factions argue that the appellate and Supreme Court rulings have invalidated their claim.
Future Outlook
The PDP faces mounting pressure to convene a fresh national convention to resolve the leadership vacuum.
However, entrenched interests and factional rivalries make such a move uncertain.
Legal experts predict further appeals and political manoeuvres in the coming weeks.
For now, INEC’s recognition of the Wike-aligned faction against the backdrop of judicial nullification underscores the depth of Nigeria’s political crisis.
As the PDP struggles to regain stability, the broader question remains: can Nigeria’s institutions uphold the rule of law in the face of political expediency?
