ABUJA, NIGERIA — A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has elected a new National Working Committee (NWC), including a National Chairman and National Secretary, during its 2026 National Convention held in Abuja.
At the convention, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed emerged as National Chairman, while Senator Samuel Anyanwu was returned as National Secretary, consolidating his position within the party’s leadership structure.
The event, which took place at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, saw the inauguration of a full 19-member National Working Committee tasked with steering the affairs of the faction for the next four years.
Delegates from several states, including Kebbi, Ekiti, and Bauchi, participated actively in the exercise. They presided over key proceedings on Sunday and were involved in ratifying the newly unveiled leadership lineup.
The convention was largely driven by loyalists of Nyesom Wike, highlighting his increasing influence within the internal dynamics of the opposition party. Political observers say the development underscores the emergence of parallel power blocs within the PDP as internal divisions continue to shape its direction.
The composition of the newly elected committee aligns with the provisions of the PDP Constitution (2017, as amended), which mandates a 19-member National Working Committee at the national level. The body is responsible for overseeing the party’s administrative, strategic, and political operations.
Other key officials confirmed at the convention include Aaron Chukwuemeka as Deputy National Chairman (South), Yusufu Akirikwen (SAN) as Deputy National Chairman (North), Kolawale Olabisi as Deputy National Secretary, Odeyemei Oladiran as National Treasurer, and Lado Marke as Deputy National Treasurer.
The full list of officers, along with other national positions, was adopted through a consensus arrangement earlier agreed upon by stakeholders within the faction. The consensus approach, party insiders say, was designed to minimize internal disputes and ensure a smooth leadership transition.
More than 2,500 delegates reportedly endorsed the candidates during the convention, providing formal backing to the newly constituted leadership team. The endorsement signals strong support within the faction, even as broader party unity remains in question.
Despite the successful conduct of the convention, the exercise also highlighted persistent divisions within the PDP. While delegates from states such as Benue, Ekiti, and Ogun took part in the proceedings, others—including representatives from Edo State—were notably absent.
The absence of some state delegations points to ongoing disagreements and factional alignments within the party, raising concerns about cohesion ahead of future political contests.
Analysts note that the emergence of a Wike-backed leadership structure could deepen existing rifts within the PDP, particularly if parallel claims to legitimacy arise from other factions within the party.
The PDP has in recent months been grappling with internal crises, including leadership disputes, ideological differences, and defections, all of which have tested its unity as a major opposition force in Nigeria.
Wike, a prominent and outspoken figure within the party, has remained central to many of these developments. His influence at the convention reflects his continued relevance and ability to mobilize support within key segments of the party.
The adoption of a consensus-based leadership selection process may have helped avoid immediate conflict at the convention, but questions remain about how the broader party structure will respond to the emergence of this faction-led executive.
Party stakeholders are expected to engage in further consultations in the coming weeks as efforts continue to reconcile differences and present a unified front.
For now, the newly elected National Working Committee is expected to begin work immediately, focusing on consolidating the faction’s structure, strengthening grassroots support, and shaping its political strategy ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
As the PDP navigates its internal challenges, the outcome of the Abuja convention marks a significant moment in the party’s evolving power dynamics—one that could have lasting implications for its future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
