INEC invalidates Abdulrahaman Mohammed’s position as PDP acting chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a request from Abdulrahaman Mohammed, who signed as acting chairman of the Samuel Anyanwu faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seeking the postponement of the Ekiti governorship primary election.

Mohammed and Senator Anyanwu had written to INEC in a November 6, 2025 letter titled “Postponement of PDP Ekiti State Congress/Governorship Primary”, citing logistical challenges and promising to communicate a new date.

Despite the letter, the PDP conducted the Ekiti governorship primary on November 8, 2025, where Dr. Wole Oluyede emerged winner with 279 votes. He defeated Funso Agent, who scored 239 votes, and Funmilayo Ogun, who secured 17 votes.

In a response dated November 10, 2025, and addressed to the PDP National Secretary, INEC rejected the request. The commission, in a letter signed by its Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran Anthony, said the correspondence failed to meet the legal requirements stipulated in Part 2(12)3 of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022), which mandates that notices of congresses or primaries must be jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.

“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 rejection effectively invalidates Mohammed’s claim to the position of acting national chairman.