INEC officials PDP convention presence confirmed as party holds Abuja meeting despite internal crisis and legal disputes

The spokesperson to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, on Sunday confirmed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission are present at the Peoples Democratic Party convention holding at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

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The development comes as delegates converge for the exercise organised by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led caretaker committee, underscoring the significance of the INEC officials PDP convention presence.

According to Olayinka, the electoral body is represented by National Commissioners, Prof Sani Adams (SAN) and Dr Ken Ukeagu, alongside senior officials from its legal and administrative departments.

Delegates, clad in party-branded attire, were seen undergoing accreditation and security checks at the velodrome, as proceedings got underway.

Top party figures, including Wike, caretaker committee chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, and Board of Trustees Chairman Mao Ohuabunwa, were present at the venue.

The convention, scheduled to run from Sunday to Monday, is expected to produce members of the National Working Committee who will steer the party’s affairs ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, the gathering is taking place against the backdrop of internal divisions and ongoing legal disputes linked to a rival convention held in Ibadan in November 2025.

Despite the tensions, the caretaker committee maintained that no court order had been issued to halt the exercise, insisting that all procedural requirements had been met.

The committee’s spokesperson, Jungudo Mohammed, said efforts had been made to ensure a credible and inclusive process while keeping channels of reconciliation open.

“We will not allow the progress and stability of our great party to be undermined,” he said, calling on members to remain calm and focused.

The INEC officials PDP convention attendance is seen as a critical procedural step, lending institutional oversight to the process even as the opposition party navigates internal challenges.