INEC Rejects Abdulrahaman Mohammed as PDP Acting Chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed a letter submitted by Abdulrahaman Mohammed, claiming the acting chairmanship of the Samuel Anyanwu-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating it did not comply with legal requirements.

The correspondence, co-signed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu and dated November 6, 2025, sought to postpone the Ekiti State Congress and Governorship primary scheduled for November 8, citing logistical challenges. The letter indicated that a new date would be communicated to INEC.

However, the primaries went ahead as scheduled on November 8, 2025, with Dr. Wole Oluyede emerging as the winner, securing 279 votes. His closest rivals, Funso Agent and Funmilayo Ogun, polled 239 and 17 votes respectively.

In a formal response dated November 10, 2025, INEC Secretary Mrs. Rose Oriaran Anthony rejected the submission, noting that it violated Part 2(12)3 of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022). The regulation requires that notices of conventions, congresses, or meetings be jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary before submission to the commission.

“The Commission hereby informs you that it has rejected your submission for non-compliance with the requirements of the Electoral Act,” the letter stated.

The ruling effectively invalidates Abdulrahaman Mohammed’s claim to the position of acting national chairman of the PDP.