Lawyer Questions INEC’s Recognition of Wike-Backed PDP Faction

Fresh controversy has erupted over the leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after Kaduna-based legal practitioner, Al-zubayr Abubakar, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of allegedly continuing to recognise the faction aligned with Nyesom Wike despite what he described as a clear judgment of the Supreme Court.

Abubakar made the allegation while reacting to the lingering crisis within the main opposition party, arguing that the electoral commission’s actions have raised fresh concerns about neutrality and compliance with judicial decisions.

According to him, the Supreme Court had already delivered its verdict on the PDP leadership dispute, yet INEC has continued to deal with individuals associated with the Wike-backed faction. He questioned why the commission had not fully reflected the implications of the apex court’s judgment in its dealings with the party.

The latest comments have once again drawn attention to the prolonged leadership crisis that has divided the PDP for months and triggered multiple legal battles across various courts.

The PDP has remained embroiled in internal disputes over its leadership structure, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national leadership.

The crisis intensified following disagreements over the party’s national convention and the legitimacy of executives produced during the exercise. The dispute eventually reached the Supreme Court after conflicting judgments from lower courts.

In a landmark judgment delivered earlier this year, the Supreme Court nullified the party’s Ibadan national convention held in November 2025, ruling that it violated an existing court order. The decision invalidated the leadership that emerged from the convention and further complicated the party’s internal leadership arrangement

Reacting to the situation, Abubakar expressed concern that despite the apex court’s ruling, INEC still appears to be interacting with individuals linked to the Wike-aligned bloc.

He argued that such actions could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and create uncertainty over which party leadership the commission officially recognises.

According to him, an electoral body is expected to strictly comply with valid court judgments, especially those delivered by the Supreme Court, which remains the country’s highest judicial authority.

Although Abubakar insists the judgment was against the Wike-backed camp, interpretations of the Supreme Court’s decision have remained contested.

Following the ruling, Wike publicly declared that the judgment had effectively ended factional politics within the PDP, insisting there was now only one recognised party structure.

Legal analysts and political observers have also noted that while the Supreme Court voided the Ibadan convention, different stakeholders have interpreted the broader implications of the ruling differently, contributing to continued uncertainty within the opposition party.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not publicly responded to Abubakar’s latest allegations.

Previously, the commission indicated it would carefully study the Certified True Copy of relevant court judgments before taking further administrative decisions regarding party leadership recognition.

Political observers say the electoral body’s next steps could significantly influence preparations ahead of future elections, particularly as opposition parties continue efforts to reposition themselves.

Also read INEC to Introduce Downloadable PVCs, Full Online Voter Registration.

The continuing disagreement over the PDP leadership has become one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s main opposition party.

Many analysts believe the prolonged legal battles risk weakening the party’s ability to present a united front ahead of future electoral contests. Others argue that only a political reconciliation among the rival camps can permanently resolve the crisis, regardless of ongoing litigation.

For now, Abubakar’s criticism has added another dimension to the debate surrounding the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment and INEC’s role in ensuring compliance with judicial decisions.

The controversy is expected to generate further reactions from party stakeholders, legal experts and political observers in the coming days as Nigerians await greater clarity on the PDP’s leadership situation.

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