INEC Shuts Down Fake PDP Leadership Claims, Confirms Turaki-Led NWC as Only Recognised Authority, Upholds Ekiti Primary Date

INEC Shuts Down Fake PDP Leadership Claims, Confirms Turaki-Led NWC as Only Recognised Authority, Upholds Ekiti Primary Date

18th November 2025

In a firm move to preserve order within Nigeria’s major opposition party, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed that the only legitimate National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the one headed by National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

The electoral umpire dismissed a controversial letter submitted by expelled party figures Mohammed Abdulrahman and Samuel Anyanwu—who falsely styled themselves as Acting Chairman and National Secretary—seeking a last-minute postponement of the Ekiti State governorship primaries.

INEC declared the November 6 letter “invalid and of no consequence,” stressing that it only recognizes correspondence signed by the authentic National Chairman and National Secretary. The move effectively neutralizes the duo’s attempt to disrupt the November 8 primary process.

The commission’s decision aligns with the PDP’s earlier disciplinary actions. Abdulrahman and Anyanwu were among top members suspended on November 1, 2025, for alleged anti-party activities, including creation of parallel structures and legal manipulations aimed at destabilizing the party.

Their ouster was later upheld at the PDP National Convention in Ibadan on November 15, where delegates ratified their expulsion alongside that of Nyesom Wike, Ayo Fayose, and others, while Turaki emerged as the party’s new National Chairman.

With INEC’s stance now reinforcing the party’s internal decisions, the PDP moves into its Ekiti primaries with renewed clarity—and a clear signal that parallel leadership claims will no longer be entertained.