The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has convened an emergency meeting with the two opposing leadership blocs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a fresh attempt to resolve the party’s lingering internal crisis.
The closed-door meeting is taking place at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja and brings together representatives of the faction aligned with former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, and the rival group loyal to former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.
Turaki is at the meeting alongside members of his National Working Committee, senior officials of the PDP secretariat and former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu.
On the other side, Mohammed arrived with members of the party’s national caretaker committee, including its secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu.
The emergency intervention follows months of bitter leadership disputes within the PDP, which have resulted in parallel party structures and deep divisions at the national level. The crisis intensified after disagreements over the control of the party machinery, the recognition of party executives and the aftermath of the 2023 general elections.
At the centre of the feud is a power struggle between camps loyal to Wike, a former presidential aspirant and influential party figure, and groups opposed to his dominance within the party. The rift widened after conflicting congresses, court actions and competing claims to party offices, leading to uncertainty over which faction INEC should recognise for official dealings.
The situation has repeatedly drawn the attention of the electoral umpire, as unresolved leadership disputes threaten the party’s ability to comply with electoral regulations ahead of future elections.
INEC’s move to summon both factions may be a last-ditch effort to compel dialogue, prevent further legal battles and stabilise the opposition party, which has continued to lose ground amid internal wrangling.
Details of the discussions and possible resolutions are expected to emerge after the meeting.
