By John Umeh
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has announced a new National Working Committee (NWC) during its 2026 National Convention held in Abuja, despite ongoing internal disputes within the opposition party.
The convention, which took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, drew delegates from multiple states who gathered to elect new national officers expected to lead the party for the next four years.
According to organisers, the exercise followed the party’s constitutional guidelines, which provide for a 19-member National Working Committee responsible for overseeing the party’s operations at the national level.
Following a consensus arrangement, Abdulrahman Mohammed was confirmed as National Chairman, while Aaron Chukwuemeka and Yusufu Akirikwen (SAN) emerged as Deputy National Chairmen for the South and North respectively. Samuel Anyanwu was named National Secretary, with Kolawale Olabisi as Deputy National Secretary.
Other officials announced included Odeyemei Oladiran as National Treasurer and Lado Marke as Deputy Treasurer. Eyim Henry became National Financial Secretary, while Dr Grema Kyari was appointed Deputy Financial Secretary.
Umar Bature emerged as National Organising Secretary, with Efere Augustine as Deputy. Jungudo Mohammed took the role of National Publicity Secretary, assisted by Egwu Chidiebere as Deputy. Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) was named National Legal Adviser, with Aloysius Uba as Deputy Legal Adviser.
Additionally, Osuoha Donatus was appointed National Auditor, with Dr Adaba Yatu as Deputy Auditor. Ibrahim Aboki emerged as National Youth Leader, while Momoh Bashir became Deputy Youth Leader. Prof. Ogunshe Adedayo was named National Women Leader, with Hauwa Shinge as Deputy Women Leader.
Despite the emergence of the new leadership, participation at the convention reflected ongoing divisions within the party. While delegates from states such as Kebbi, Ekiti, Benue, Bauchi, and Oyo attended, others including Edo and Gombe stayed away, citing unresolved disputes and legal concerns.
In Sokoto State, disagreement within the party became more pronounced as a group defied the state leadership’s boycott directive and participated in the Abuja gathering.
Several prominent party leaders present at the event called for unity and reconciliation. Among them were former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, and Nyesom Wike, all of whom stressed the need to rebuild the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In Ogun State, party officials confirmed that members were divided over attendance, with some backing the Abuja convention while others aligned with a rival faction.
Similarly, a group from Ekiti State led by former Governor Ayo Fayose participated, insisting that the convention represented the legitimate leadership of the party.
However, the Edo State chapter rejected the exercise, describing it as unlawful due to a pending Supreme Court case on the party’s leadership crisis. The state leadership also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to scrutinise the legitimacy of the delegates.
Meanwhile, efforts to resolve the crisis continued in Bauchi State, where Governor Bala Mohammed set up a reconciliation committee tasked with addressing internal disagreements and preparing the party for the 2027 elections.
Addressing delegates, Abdulrahman Mohammed described the convention as a fresh beginning for the PDP, urging members to set aside differences and work toward rebuilding the party.
Saraki also appealed to aggrieved members to join the reconciliation process, saying unity was essential for the party’s survival and electoral success.
Wike, in his remarks, praised party loyalists for remaining committed during the prolonged leadership crisis and called for renewed dedication to rebuilding the opposition platform.
The PDP has faced internal divisions for nearly three years, with rival leadership claims and legal battles deepening the crisis. Although reconciliation talks have been ongoing, disagreements between factions persist.
Despite the unresolved issues, the Wike-backed bloc proceeded with the Abuja convention, announcing a new leadership structure aimed at repositioning the party ahead of future political contests.
