Wike-backed NWC Lacks Legitimacy, PDP Group Claims

A pressure group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Opposition Watch Nigeria (OWN), has claimed that the National Working Committee (NWC) allegedly backed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, lacks legitimacy and rooted in what it described as a “legal nullity.”

OWN said, according to its findings, the emergence of Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman of PDP is illegal.

A statement from the Media Coordinator of the group, Aisha Bello, the Abdulrahman-led structure was built on decisions taken by individuals who had already lost their legal standing within the party.

“The leadership of Mohammed Abdulrahman, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and others is a legal fiction. You cannot build a skyscraper on a swamp,” the statement read.

According to the Group, Abdulrahman’s nomination on November 3, 2025, was invalid ab initio, having been carried out by suspended party officials.

Those named include Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Bature, and Kamaldeen Ajibade, all of whom were suspended on November 1, 2025.

The group argued that under administrative law principles, individuals under suspension cannot validly exercise the powers of their offices.

The statement referenced a January 12, 2026 judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, which upheld the expulsion of Anyanwu following the recommendations of a disciplinary panel led by Tom Ikimi.

It added that Anyanwu’s appeal, filed months later on April 10, 2026, did not invalidate the subsisting judgment.

“Filing an appeal does not stay execution. Senator Anyanwu remains a legal stranger to the PDP,” the group stated.

The Turaki Group also pointed to a March 9, 2026 ruling of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which affirmed the suspension of Ajibade and others, further weakening claims of legitimacy by the Abdulrahman-led leadership.

Reinforcing its position, the group said all actions taken by the faction lack legal standing.

“By the time they purported to appoint a leadership, they were already suspended; by the time they sought to consolidate it, they were expelled. Every action taken by this group is null, void, and a blatant contempt of subsisting judicial orders.”

The Group urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders to disregard any directives or communiqués issued by the disputed leadership.

“They lack the locus standi to represent the interests of the PDP,” the statement added.