A faction of Nigeria’s main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to hold a national convention in early 2026. This pivotal event, intended to reshape the party’s leadership, is set to follow a series of state congresses across various regions. The Wike-backed group simultaneously escalated its challenge to the legitimacy of the mainstream PDP leadership, demanding concrete evidence of its recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the factional National Caretaker Committee, its newly appointed spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, detailed the proposed timeline. He confirmed that the National Working Committee (NWC) had approved a calendar for state congresses, commencing on January 9, 2026. These local elections are deemed essential precursors, with the national convention slated to occur only after their comprehensive conclusion. No definitive date for the national convention has yet been publicly disclosed.

The faction’s communique specifically challenged the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led PDP to produce verifiable proof of INEC’s acknowledgement for its purported national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16. This demand underscores a deep-seated internal power struggle, with both factions vying for the official imprimatur of the electoral body, which is crucial for participation in future elections and legal standing.

Haruna Mohammed further asserted that documents displayed by the Turaki faction, particularly concerning the Ekiti State governorship, were outdated. He claimed these documents bore the signatures of former national chairman Amb Illya Damagum and former national secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, suggesting they no longer reflected the party’s current legitimate leadership. The Wike-aligned group insisted that the Turaki faction present the unique INEC code required for uploading governorship candidates and their running mates to the electoral commission’s portal.

“Until the INEC code is produced, it should be known that the Turaki group is not recognised, and whatever they claim is a nullity and falsehood,” Mohammed declared emphatically. He stressed the importance of informing the public that media reports suggesting INEC’s acceptance of the “Turaki illegal executives” were false. The faction maintained that only one genuine and legitimate PDP exists, which they claim is headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The communique also outlined a comprehensive list of states where fresh congresses would be conducted under the Wike-backed faction’s initiative. These include Borno, Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Delta, Taraba, Kano, and Lagos. This extensive schedule indicates a concerted effort by the faction to establish its grassroots structures and consolidate its influence across key political regions ahead of the national convention.

In a move to strengthen its internal administration, the faction announced an expansion of its National Caretaker Committee. New appointees include Professor Adenike Ogunse as Women Leader, Engineer Deji Dohati as Deputy National Secretary, and Senator Olaka Nwaogu as Treasurer. Honorable Jungu Haruna Mohammed was named Publicity Secretary, while Ambassador Dr. Ibrahim Bala-Aboki assumed the role of Youth Leader, signaling a strategic effort to broaden representation within their leadership structure.

The Peoples Democratic Party has been plagued by internal divisions for several years, particularly since the 2023 general elections. These ongoing factional disputes have often hinged on issues of leadership legitimacy, control of party structures, and the interpretation of constitutional provisions. The current confrontation highlights the critical role of INEC in resolving such internal crises by officially recognizing legitimate party organs and officials.

The Wike-backed faction’s aggressive posture and demand for specific INEC validation codes underscore the high stakes involved in this internal struggle. The ability to upload candidate lists and executive committees to the INEC portal is fundamental for any political party seeking to contest elections in Nigeria. Without this, any purported leadership or candidate slate would be deemed invalid, effectively disenfranchising the faction.

Observers suggest that these developments represent a significant escalation in the battle for the soul of the PDP. The outcome of this power play, particularly INEC’s stance on the recognition claims, will profoundly impact the party’s cohesion and its capacity to function as an effective opposition force in Nigeria’s complex political landscape leading up to future electoral cycles.

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Keywords: Wike PDP faction, PDP national convention 2026, INEC recognition, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, PDP state congresses, Nigerian political parties, Abdulrahman Mohammed, PDP leadership dispute