BREAKING NEWS: INEC Dismisses Wike Led-PDP Factional Letter, Declares Ekiti Governorship Primary Valid and Faults Samuel Anyanwu Camp’s Claim

…as INEC Rejects Abdulrahaman Mohammed as PDP Acting Chairman

In a decisive move that further clarifies the internal power tussle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially rejected a correspondence issued by the Samuel Anyanwu faction, declaring that it failed to meet the legal requirements mandated by electoral regulations.

The rejected correspondence, jointly signed by Abdulrahaman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, had sought the postponement of the Ekiti State Governorship Primary. The faction claimed the adjustment was necessary due to what it described as “logistical reasons.” The letter, dated November 06, 2025 and titled “postponement of PDP Ekiti state Congress/Governorship primary,” stated that a new date would be communicated to the commission.

According to the letter, “The above subject matter refers. We wish to inform you that the PDP Ekiti State Congress and Governorship primary scheduled for November 8, 2025, has been postponed due to logistical reasons constraining this exercise.

“Kindly refer to our earlier letter to the commission on this subject matter. Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

Despite the attempt to halt the process, the PDP proceeded with the Ekiti Governorship Primary on November 8, 2025, where Dr. Wole Oluyede emerged victorious with 279 votes, defeating Funso Agent, who secured 239 votes, and Funmilayo Ogun, who garnered 17 votes.

However, INEC’s response on the matter was unequivocal. In a letter addressed to the National Secretary of the PDP, referenced INEC/DEPM/PDF/286/94 and dated November 10, 2025, the commission categorically dismissed the request submitted by the Anyanwu faction.

“The letter, signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran Anthony, was titled “re-resolution of the PDP NWC meeting and postponement of Ekiti state Congress abs governorship primary.”

INEC stated:

“Your Letter on the above subject refers. The Commission draws your attention that the notice is not in compliance with the requirement of part 2(12)3 of the Regulations and guidelines for Political Parties, 2022, which provides ‘the National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party shall jointly sign the notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting and submit the same to the Commission.’ Be guided.”

The letter concluded with a firm declaration: “The Commission hereby informs you that it has rejected your submission for non-compliance with the requirements of the Electoral Act. Thank you.”

The implication of INEC’s response is far-reaching. By rejecting the letter, the commission has effectively invalidated the claim of Abdulrahaman Mohammed as “acting national chairman” of the PDP, reinforcing the requirement that only the duly recognized National Chairman and National Secretary can issue notices binding on the party.

This development deepens the ongoing leadership dispute within the PDP and solidifies the legitimacy of the Ekiti Governorship Primary that produced Dr. Wole Oluyede as the party’s candidate.