JUST IN: PDP Crisis Deepens as INEC Rejects Convsntion Outcome, 2027 Ticket at Risk

According to a report by The Punch on Sunday, November 23, 2025, a week after the Peoples Democratic Party held its 20th elective national convention in Ibadan, the Independent National Electoral Commission has yet to recognise the outcome, deepening divisions within the party and raising fëars over its readiness for the 2027 elections.

The convention, organised by the faction loyal to former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, expelled Nyesom Wike and 10 other senior members for alleged anti-party activities.

Delegates also elected former minister Kabiru Turaki as the new National Chairman. In response, the Wike-backed faction led by Muhammed Abdulrahman announced a counter-expulsion targeting Governors Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed and other key figures.

Tënsion ëscalated days later when both factions clashed at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, prömpting police to seal off the buîlding.

Despite submitting its list of newly elected executives to INEC, the commission’s website still lists Damagun and Samuel Anyanwu as National Chairman and National Secretary, a development the Wike camp insists invalidates the Ibadan convention.

Party chieftains warn the crisis could prevent the PDP from presenting candidates in 2027. They note that the Electoral Act requires the signatures of both the National Chairman and National Secretary for valid nominations—offices now claimed by rival factions.

Some leaders are urging both sides to withdraw pending court cases and establish a neutral caretaker committee to stabilise the party.

Others accuse Wike of deliberately weakening the PDP, insisting that only the Turaki-led leadership can legally interface with INEC.

While members express confidence that the dispute will be resolved in court before the elections, concerns persist that prolonged division could derail preparations for 2027.