Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu had jointly written to the electoral body seeking the postponement of the PDP Ekiti governorship primary election, citing logistical constraints. The letter, dated November 6, 2025, informed INEC that a new date would be communicated.
Despite the request, the PDP proceeded with the Ekiti governorship primary on November 8, 2025. Dr Wole Oluyede emerged as the party’s candidate with 279 votes, defeating Funso Agent (239 votes) and Funmilayo Ogun (17 votes).
In its response dated November 10, 2025, and addressed to the PDP National Secretary under reference number INEC/DEPM/PDF/286/94, the commission declared the request invalid. The letter, signed by INEC Secretary, Mrs Rose Oriaran Anthony, stated that the notice did not comply with the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
According to INEC, only the substantive National Chairman and National Secretary of a political party are legally empowered to jointly sign and submit notices of congresses, primaries, conventions, or meetings.
The commission therefore rejected the submission on the grounds of non-compliance with the Electoral Act — effectively invalidating the claim of Abdulrahaman Mohammed as acting national chairman of the PDP.
