INEC’s Controversial PDP Leadership Changes Spark Fresh Political Storm.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Newspaper
Northern Bureau Chief
June 11, 2026.
Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been thrown into another round of controversy following a recent update by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which altered the list of the party’s national officers on its official website.
The development has intensified speculation that the electoral body may have effectively recognized the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, in the ongoing leadership struggle that has continued to divide the PDP since the 2023 general elections.
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Political observers say the latest move by INEC could have far-reaching implications for the future of the party, particularly as it prepares for upcoming political contests and attempts to rebuild its image after a series of internal disputes.
According to the updated records on INEC’s official portal, the names of Ahmed Yayari and Daniel Woyengikuro have been removed from their positions as National Treasurer and National Financial Secretary of the PDP.
In their place, INEC listed Odeyemi Mackson Oladiran as National Treasurer and Eyim Donatus Henry as National Financial Secretary.
The changes have attracted significant attention because the outgoing officials are widely believed to be aligned with the camp associated with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other influential figures within the party, while the newly recognized officers are reportedly loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The PDP has remained deeply divided since the aftermath of the 2023 elections, with rival blocs competing for control of the party’s national structure.
One faction is linked to Governor Seyi Makinde and other party stakeholders advocating for internal reforms, while the other is associated with Chief Nyesom Wike, whose political influence within the PDP has remained strong despite his appointment in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Prior to the latest update, INEC had already recognized some officials believed to be aligned with the Wike camp, including Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
However, the retention of Ahmed Yayari and Daniel Woyengikuro on the commission’s records had created uncertainty over which faction enjoyed official recognition.
The recent changes appear to have removed that ambiguity, as all officers currently listed by INEC are now said to be members of the Wike-backed leadership structure.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 11TH 2026)
