By AnchorNews Correspondent 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has effectively accorded recognition to the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The development became evident as the Chairman of the caretaker committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, alongside the party’s Acting National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, participated in INEC’s first quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of registered political parties.

The high-level meeting is traditionally restricted to recognised national chairmen and national secretaries of political parties acknowledged by the Commission, underscoring INEC’s acceptance of the Mohammed-led leadership structure.

INEC’s position aligns with an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which ordered the electoral body to recognise the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee as the authentic leadership of the PDP.

The court decision followed prolonged internal disputes within the party over its national leadership, disputes that have deepened divisions within the PDP ahead of key political activities.

Observers say INEC’s action may significantly reshape the balance of power within the opposition party, with potential implications for its cohesion and preparedness for upcoming elections.