PDP factions hold certificate ceremonies before INEC

A deepening leadership crisis within Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, as two rival factions held parallel events in Abuja to present certificates of return to their own sets of candidates for the 2027 general elections. Each camp insists it is the party's legitimate leadership, setting the stage for a decisive intervention by the national electoral commission.

The faction aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike held its ceremony during the party's 109th National Executive Committee meeting at the PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza. There, certificates were presented to its presidential candidate, Sandy Onor, and numerous governorship candidates, including Bolakale Kawu for Kwara State and Isa Pantami for Gombe State. Speaking at the meeting, Wike urged party members to focus on reclaiming power through mobilization and electoral results, not entitlement. "Nobody gives power. Power is taken," Wike said. He expressed confidence that the impending release of access codes by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would validate his faction's control. "As far as I am concerned, June 26 is when they...