The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined to accept a letter authorized by the acting chairman from the Samuel Anyanwu-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that the correspondence did not satisfy legal requirements.
Both Abdulrahaman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu had written to INEC to request a postponement of the Ekiti governorship primaries, citing logistical challenges.
Their letter, dated November 06, 2025 and titled “postponement of PDP Ekiti state Congress/Governorship primary,” noted that a new date would be forwarded to the commission.
The correspondence stated: “The above subject matter refers. We wish to inform you that the PDP Ekiti State Congress and Governorship primary scheduled for November 8, 2025, has been postponed due to logistical reasons constraining this exercise.
“Kindly refer to our earlier letter to the commission on this subject matter. Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”
Despite this, the Ekiti Governorship Primary proceeded on November 8, 2025, with Dr. Wole Oluyede winning after securing 279 votes, ahead of Funso Agent with 239 votes and Funmilayo Ogun with 17 votes.
INEC later sent a response to the party’s National Secretary, referenced INEC/DEPM/PDF/286/94 and dated November 10, 2025, clearly stating that the request had been turned down.
The reply, signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran Anthony, and titled “re-resolution of the PDP NWC meeting and postponement of Ekiti state Congress abs governorship primary,” stated: “Your Letter on the above subject refers. The Commission draws your attention that the notice is not in compliance with the requirement of part 2(12)3 of the Regulations and guidelines for Political Parties, 2022, which provides ‘the National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party shall jointly sign the notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting and submit the same to the Commission.’ Be guided.
“The commission hereby informs you that it has rejected your submission for non-compliance with the requirements of the Electoral Act. Thank you”.
This response from INEC effectively nullifies Abdulrahaman Mohammed’s claim to the role of acting national chairman of the PDP.
