INEC Recognises Wike-Backed PDP Leadership

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party faction backed by Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Abdulrahman Mohammed was shown as the PDO’s national chairman on the commission’s website.

Mohammed and other members of the party’s National Working Committee emerged at the national convention held on Sunday at the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The PDP remains divided, with two major factions still laying claim to the party’s leadership structure.

Before the convention, the rival group led by Kabiru Turaki had approached the Supreme Court in a bid to stop the Wike-backed camp from going ahead with the gathering.

Speaking during the convention, Wike said the PDP had finally moved past the leadership crisis that had threatened its future.

According to him, loyal members stood their ground through the internal battle and succeeded in returning control of the party to its grassroots base.

“Together we fought against proponents of ethnic and geographic divisions; we trounced the naysayers who abandoned the core values upon which the party was built and, in the process, arrested the party from the vice grip of those who abhor internal democracy and shun adherence to the rule of law,” Wike said.

“More importantly, we fought and returned the party to its rightful owners, the people, an accomplishment which speaks to the fundamental principle upon which the party was erected.”

The FCT minister further praised party supporters for keeping the PDP stable throughout the crisis, despite the betrayal of opportunistic political elites.

KanyiDaily recalls that Nyesom Wike criticised Oyo governor Seyi Makinde over the ongoing crisis in the PDP.