Date: March 30, 2026 l Reporter: Musa Muhammad
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has officially named Abdulrahman Mohammed as its National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, declaring its readiness to contest the 2027 general elections.
The leadership announcement followed a national convention held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Abuja, where thousands of delegates gathered to affirm a new National Working Committee (NWC) through a consensus arrangement. The exercise, attended by prominent party stakeholders, marked a significant move by the Wike-aligned bloc to consolidate its control within the party amid ongoing internal divisions.
During the convention, Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu emerged alongside other key party officials as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at repositioning the party ahead of future elections. The process was described by organizers as orderly and inclusive, with over 2,000 delegates participating in the decision-making.
Speaking at the event, Wike emphasized that the faction represents the legitimate structure of the party and expressed confidence that the PDP would actively participate in the 2027 elections. He assured supporters that the party remains strong despite internal disputes, noting that efforts toward unity and reconciliation would continue.
Mohammed, in his acceptance remarks, called for unity among party members, stressing the need to rebuild and strengthen the PDP’s internal cohesion. He stated that the party must prioritize inclusiveness and renewal as it prepares for upcoming political contests.
The development comes against the backdrop of a prolonged leadership crisis within the PDP, which has resulted in the emergence of rival factions contesting control of the party’s structure. The Wike-backed group insists that its convention and leadership choices reflect the authentic direction of the party moving forward.
Party leaders at the convention also urged aggrieved members to return and work together to restore the PDP’s electoral strength, signaling a renewed push to reclaim political relevance at the national level.
With the new leadership now in place, the Wike-aligned faction says it is fully prepared to mobilize and reposition the PDP as a competitive force ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite ongoing legal and political challenges surrounding the party’s internal structure.