Isaac Samuel
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its official website to reflect the emergence of a new National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, following the party’s national convention in Abuja.
The listing of the new leadership on INEC’s portal is seen as a major boost for the faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in the lingering leadership tussle within the opposition party.
The development comes after the faction held its convention at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where over 2,500 delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) endorsed a 22-member NWC through a consensus arrangement monitored by officials of the electoral umpire.
INEC’s recognition effectively lends institutional backing to the Mohammed-led leadership, potentially altering the balance of power within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the convention, Mohammed was returned as National Chairman, while Anyanwu emerged as National Secretary.
Other key figures elected include Aaron Chukwuemeka as Deputy National Chairman (South) and Yusuf Akirikwen as Deputy National Chairman (North), following a reshuffle that saw Umar Damagum step down from his position as factional National Chairman to assume the role of Deputy National Chairman (North).
Kolawale Olabisi was elected Deputy National Secretary, while Opeyemi Oladiran and Lado Marke emerged as National Treasurer and Deputy National Treasurer, respectively.
Eyim Henry emerged as National Financial Secretary, with Grema Kyari as deputy, while Umar Bature and Efere Augustine were elected National Organising Secretary and Deputy National Organising Secretary.
Jungudo Mohammed emerged as National Publicity Secretary, alongside Egwu Chidiebere as deputy.
In the legal unit, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) was elected National Legal Adviser, with Aloysius Uba as deputy, while Osuoha Donatus and Adaba Yatu emerged as National Auditor and Deputy National Auditor.
Professor Ogunshe Adedayo emerged as National Women Leader, with Hauwa Shinge as deputy, while Ibrahim Aboki and Eugene Momoh-Dejih were elected National Youth Leader and Deputy National Youth Leader, respectively.
The newly constituted NWC is expected to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.
