The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for formally recognising the Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu–led Caretaker National Working Committee (CNWC) of the party. The recognition follows a judgment of the Federal High Court, Ibadan Division, and is seen by the party as a significant affirmation of constitutional order and judicial authority.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Chief Jude Udeachara, the Abia PDP described INEC’s action as a clear demonstration of its commitment to the rule of law. The party noted that the decision was evident in INEC’s invitation to the Mohammed/Anyanwu-led CNWC to a quarterly strategic engagement with leaders of political parties nationwide.
INEC’s Action and Judicial Backing
According to the Abia PDP, INEC’s recognition of the Mohammed/Anyanwu-led CNWC is firmly rooted in the unambiguous ruling of the Federal High Court in Ibadan. The court had nullified the PDP convention reportedly held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2015, which the party said had been the source of prolonged leadership disputes.
The statement further recalled that the court restrained beneficiaries of the annulled convention—popularly referred to as the Aminu Turaki-led group—from presenting themselves as members of the PDP National Working Committee. By extending its invitation exclusively to the Mohammed/Anyanwu-led CNWC, INEC was said to have demonstrated compliance with a subsisting court order.
The Abia PDP stressed that this development effectively foreclosed parallel claims to the party’s national leadership, particularly those associated with the Turaki/Makinde faction linked to the disputed Ibadan gathering. The party described the move as decisive and clarifying in its engagement with the electoral umpire.
End to Leadership Crisis and Institutional Certainty
The party noted that INEC’s action has brought an end to what it described as a lingering leadership crisis within the PDP. It said the commission’s decision provides much-needed institutional certainty, enabling the party to interact with INEC on a clear and legally recognised basis.
According to the statement, this clarity is essential as the PDP prepares for a credible national convention and future electoral activities. The Abia PDP expressed the view that recognition of the Mohammed/Anyanwu-led CNWC restores order, legality, and internal coherence at the national level.
The party added that with INEC’s position now aligned with the court’s pronouncement, attention can shift away from internal disputes toward rebuilding confidence and functionality within the party’s structures nationwide.
Call for Unity and Respect for Due Process
The Abia PDP said it is optimistic that the latest development will pave the way for reconciliation and unity within the party. It urged members across the country to respect the rule of law and accept judicial decisions as binding.
Reiterating its commitment to due process, the party called on stakeholders to work collectively to strengthen the PDP at the ward, local government, state, and national levels. It emphasised that unity and adherence to legal processes are essential for the party’s stability and electoral competitiveness.
The statement concluded by encouraging party members to focus on rebuilding trust and cohesion, noting that a united and law-abiding PDP would be better positioned to serve its supporters and participate effectively in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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