Wike PDP chairman declaration as FCT Minister insists Abdulrahman Mohammed is legitimate leader amid ongoing PDP factional crisis

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that Abdulrahman Mohammed remains the legitimate chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), escalating the party’s ongoing leadership dispute.

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Wike statement on PDP chairman dispute was made on Wednesday during a media chat in Abuja, where the minister addressed the deepening internal crisis within the opposition party.

Wike criticised the faction aligned with Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, insisting that its claim to leadership was not valid and reaffirming his support for Mohammed as the authentic party head.

PDP has remained divided since 2023 following internal disagreements that emerged after the party’s presidential primary that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate.

Since then, rival camps have emerged within the party structure, with one faction reportedly aligned with Wike and another led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

At its 2025 national convention held in Ibadan, the Makinde-aligned bloc elected a new National Working Committee led by Turaki, SAN, further widening the rift within the party.

In contrast, the Wike-backed group has maintained that Abdulrahman Mohammed occupies the position of national chairman, setting the stage for continued internal contestation.

Wike reiterated his position firmly, stating that Mohammed “holds the position” and remains the recognised chairman under his camp’s structure.

Also read: Wike insists PDP convention will hold despite crisis

The development highlights the sustained leadership tussle within the PDP, which continues to shape the party’s internal dynamics ahead of future political realignments.