The lingering crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a fresh turn on Sunday as a faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, re-elected Abdulrahman Mohammed as its National Chairman.
The development came during a factional national convention held in Abuja, where Abdulrahman—who hails from Nasarawa State—was returned as chairman by consensus alongside 20 other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Abdulrahman had previously served as Acting National Chairman of the faction’s caretaker committee before his re-election, signalling what party insiders described as a consolidation of the group’s leadership structure amid widening internal divisions.
The faction also announced other key positions. Aaron Chukwuemeka emerged as Deputy National Chairman (South), while Yusufu Nyakiriken (SAN) was elected Deputy National Chairman (North).
Samuel Anyanwu retained his position as National Secretary, just as Kolawale Olabisi was elected National Treasurer.
Other elected officials include Odeyemei Mackson Oladiran (Deputy National Treasurer), Lado Dan Marke (National Financial Secretary), Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser), and Jungudo Haruna Mohammed (National Publicity Secretary). Umar Bature also retained his position as National Organising Secretary.
In all, 21 members of the NWC were returned through a consensus arrangement and subsequently sworn in at the event, which drew prominent political figures across party lines.
Among those in attendance were former Senate President Bukola Saraki, ex-governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), as well as Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The factional convention comes amid escalating tensions within the PDP, following defections and competing claims of legitimacy among rival camps. The development further highlights the deepening cracks threatening the cohesion of Nigeria’s main opposition party.
In a related development, Wike used the platform of the broader party convention in Abuja to express confidence that the PDP would rebound from its current challenges, while taking a swipe at defectors who have left the party in recent times.
According to him, the party had endured a difficult period marked by internal struggles and leadership disputes but had survived what he described as attempts to weaken its structure.
He maintained that the PDP remained committed to reclaiming its political influence, stressing that those who stayed behind had demonstrated resilience and loyalty in the face of uncertainty.
“Our brothers and sisters who left should return and join us in rebuilding the party,” Wike was quoted as saying, adding that the PDP would provide equal opportunities for all members.
Former Governor Bukola Saraki, who also spoke at the event, described the gathering as a symbol of unity and renewed strength. He urged party members to embrace sacrifice, fairness, and inclusiveness as guiding principles in rebuilding the party.
Saraki noted that the PDP still had the capacity to reposition itself as a viable political force, but stressed that internal reconciliation and discipline were crucial to achieving that goal.
The latest developments underscore the intensifying power struggle within the PDP, as rival factions continue to jostle for control ahead of future political contests.
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