Oyo council poll: Wike-backed PDP gains electoral recognition

By Lateef Ibrahim

The ongoing leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn in Oyo State, following the decision of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) to accept candidates submitted by the faction backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The electoral commission received the names of the faction’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates ahead of the December 29, 2026, local government elections.

The development is significant as rival factions of the PDP continue to battle for control of the party’s structures and recognition at different levels.

The candidates’ list was submitted to OYSIEC in a letter dated July 30, 2026, and signed by the PDP’s Oyo State chairman, Professor Rahman Akinoso.

In the letter, the faction formally notified the commission of the party’s intention to participate in the forthcoming council elections and attached the names of candidates who emerged from its primaries.

The faction stated that the primaries were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the exercise.

OYSIEC’s acceptance of the list comes against the backdrop of a similar position reportedly taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has been engaging with the National Working Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed in preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Peoples Daily reports that the latest development could further complicate the battle for control of the PDP in Oyo State, where another faction linked to Governor Seyi Makinde and led by Tanimu Turaki has been involved in the leadership dispute.

With OYSIEC accepting the candidates submitted by the Wike-backed faction, the group is positioned to field candidates in all 33 local government areas of the state for the December council polls.

The decision is expected to intensify the political contest between the rival PDP camps and could have wider implications for the party’s structure and prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.