The internal war within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn, as rival factions now battle over who has control of the official nomination upload codes issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the centre of the storm are two competing power blocs, one aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and another led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
What should have been a routine administrative step in preparing for elections has now become another flashpoint in the PDP’s widening leadership crisis.
Wike-Backed Leadership Claims INEC Recognition
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, announced that INEC had issued the candidate upload codes to the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.
According to him, the development is proof that the Wike-backed leadership remains the legally recognised structure of the party.
He described the situation as a clear validation of their authority, insisting that critics within the opposing faction were refusing to accept political reality.
Mohammed did not hold back in his remarks, stating that the faction loyal to Turaki had no real operational impact on the party’s activities.
In his words, “lies have an expiry date,” adding that INEC’s action confirmed who is in control of the party’s electoral processes.
“We Are Recognised By INEC” — PDP Spokesman
Mohammed maintained that the recognition by INEC gives the Wike-aligned leadership full authority over candidate uploads.
He also dismissed concerns raised by the opposing camp, describing them as political distractions.
According to him, the internal appeal process is still ongoing, which explains why the final list of candidates has not yet been released.
He explained that appeals hearings scheduled for early next month are part of efforts to ensure fairness and compliance with party guidelines.
Only after that process, he said, will the party officially release the final list of candidates for INEC verification and publication.
Turaki Faction Pushes Back
But the Turaki-led faction has strongly rejected the claims of exclusive INEC recognition.
Speaking in response, faction spokesperson Ini Ememobong argued that the situation is being misinterpreted for political advantage.
He insisted that INEC recognition is largely administrative and does not determine the legitimacy of candidates emerging from party primaries.
According to him, candidates produced by the Turaki camp remain valid regardless of who currently holds the upload codes.
“We have not been given any code,” Ememobong said, dismissing the Wike faction’s claims.
“This Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint”
Ememobong also framed the internal struggle as a long-term political contest, insisting that the faction remains confident in its strategy.
He described the situation as a “marathon,” suggesting that outcomes may take time to fully unfold.
In his words, political darkness may persist temporarily, but eventual recognition would prevail.
He also questioned the significance of INEC codes, arguing that real political strength lies in grassroots support and candidate acceptance.
Supreme Court Judgment That Triggered The Crisis
The latest round of PDP tension traces back to the Supreme Court’s split 3–2 ruling on April 30, which nullified the party’s national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025.
That convention had produced the Turaki-led leadership, backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Following the judgment, the party’s Board of Trustees reportedly reconstituted an interim National Working Committee, further deepening internal divisions.
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Since then, both factions have continued to operate parallel structures, each claiming legitimacy.
Two PDP Structures, One Electoral Battlefield
As it stands, the PDP now effectively runs two competing systems.
The Wike-backed faction, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed with Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, continues to conduct nomination sales and engage with INEC on party primaries.
Meanwhile, the Turaki faction has also issued forms and claims to be producing valid candidates, despite lacking formal electoral commission recognition at certain stages.
This parallel operation has created confusion among aspirants and further complicated preparations for the 2027 elections.
Uncertainty Ahead Of 2027
With INEC now caught between rival claims of legitimacy, the PDP’s internal crisis appears far from resolution.
Both factions insist they are the rightful custodians of the party’s mandate.
Both claim control of candidates.
And both are preparing for a political showdown that could define the party’s future heading into 2027.
For now, the question remains unresolved: Who truly controls the PDP structure, and who will INEC ultimately recognise when the real election battle begins?