The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday elected a new National Working Committee (NWC) at its 2026 National Convention in Abuja, in a move party leaders say signals a renewed commitment to unity, inclusiveness and institutional rebuilding.
The convention, held at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, produced a new leadership through a consensus arrangement widely seen as an effort to stabilise the party after months of internal crisis.
Abdulrahman Mohammed emerged as National Chairman, with Aaron Chukwuemeka and Yusuf Nya Akirikwen, SAN, elected as Deputy National Chairmen for the South and North respectively. Anyanwu Samuel Nnaemeka was returned as National Secretary, alongside Kolawale Olabisi as Deputy National Secretary.
Other members of the new NWC include Odeyemei Mackson Oladiran (National Treasurer), Lado Dan Marke (Deputy National Treasurer), Eyim Donatus Henry (National Financial Secretary), Dr. Grema Kyari (Deputy National Financial Secretary), and Umar Mohammed Bature (National Organising Secretary), with Efere Augustine as his deputy.
Jungudo Haruna Mohammed emerged as National Publicity Secretary, while Egwu Goodluck Chidiere was elected Deputy National Publicity Secretary. Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, was named National Legal Adviser, with Barr. Aloysius Chinemelu Uba as Deputy National Legal Adviser.
Also elected were Osuoha Okechukwu Donatus as National Auditor, Dr. Adaba Ozohu Seri Yatu as Deputy National Auditor, Prof. Ogunshe Adenike Adedayo as National Women Leader, and Hauwa Ahmed Shinge as her deputy. Ibrahim Bala Aboki was elected National Youth Leader, with Momoh Dejihi Eugene Bashir as Deputy National Youth Leader.
Addressing delegates, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, said the party had weathered a major internal storm and was now poised for recovery, attributing its survival to the resilience of grassroots members.
According to him, the convention marks a turning point in the PDP’s journey to reclaim its place in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In his acceptance remarks, the new National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, described the exercise as more than a leadership transition, noting that it represents a collective effort to restore order, strengthen internal democracy and redefine the party’s direction.
He urged members to prioritise unity over personal ambition, warning that the party’s success depends on discipline and shared purpose.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, also called on party faithful to remain committed to rebuilding both the PDP and the country, stressing that unity, fairness and collective responsibility are essential to national progress.
The convention is seen as a critical step in the PDP’s broader effort to reposition itself ahead of future electoral contests, particularly the 2027 general elections.
