THIS DAWN — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
INEC further dismissed attempts by expelled factional figures to interfere with the party’s upcoming Ekiti State gubernatorial primaries.
In a decisive move that reinforces internal party order, INEC rejected a letter submitted on November 6, 2025, by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Samuel Anyanwu.
The two former PDP officials—Abdulrahman and Anyanwu were suspended and later expelled for anti-party activities.
The duo have continued to style themselves as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary respectively.
They had asked the Commission to postpone the November 8 Ekiti governorship primaries, citing vague “logistics constraints.”
INEC, however, declared the correspondence fraudulent and without legal effect.
It emphasized that only communications from the “constitutionally recognized PDP National Chairman and National Secretary” are valid.
The Commission reaffirmed that the Turaki-led NWC remains the only leadership structure it acknowledges.
Wike out
The stern rejection effectively nullifies the attempt by Abdulrahman and Anyanwu to alter the party’s approved electoral timetable.
The move has been hailed by observers as a major blow to ongoing efforts by estranged party elements to destabilize the PDP ahead of critical off-cycle elections.
INEC’s position is consistent with its earlier recognition of the PDP’s disciplinary actions.
On November 1, 2025, the party suspended Anyanwu, Abdulrahman, and several allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
The party said they violated Sections 57(3), 58(1)(a)(b)(c)(h), and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).
They were accused of anti-party conduct, including running parallel structures and exploiting court processes to undermine the party’s unity.
Turaki consolidates
These sanctions were subsequently ratified at the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15, 2025, where Turaki was formally elected National Chairman.
The convention also upheld the expulsion of Nyesom Wike, Ayo Fayose, and other members linked to alleged destabilization efforts.
With INEC’s latest affirmation, preparations for the Ekiti gubernatorial primaries are expected to proceed on schedule.
The affirmation further strengthens the authority of the Turaki-led NWC as the party positions itself for upcoming electoral contests.
