A leadership group of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns over the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the commission’s refusal to recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
Reacting in a statement issued on Tuesday, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, insisted that there is no faction within the party. He argued that the group aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, should not be regarded as a faction but rather as a “committee of friends.”
Ememobong noted that since the matter is currently before the courts, the party would await a definitive judicial pronouncement on its leadership.
INEC had earlier announced that it would not recognise the Turaki-led NWC, citing subsisting court judgments and unresolved legal processes surrounding the PDP’s leadership crisis.
In a letter dated December 22, 2025, and signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the commission said it could not accede to requests to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers allegedly elected at the PDP National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
INEC explained that its decision was guided by existing court rulings and ongoing litigation linked to the party’s internal leadership dispute, stressing that it would be inappropriate to recognise any factional leadership while the matter remains pending in court.
However, Ememobong maintained that the Turaki-led NWC remains the authentic leadership of the PDP. He alleged that INEC is under undue pressure not to recognise the group, but reminded the commission of its constitutional duty to uphold and protect democracy.
According to him, the court judgments referenced by INEC have been appealed, with applications for stay of execution already filed. He added that the Court of Appeal is expected to hear and determine the matters soon.
The PDP spokesperson further claimed that INEC monitored and participated in key National Executive Committee meetings where the date and venue of the Ibadan convention were unanimously agreed, and also received formal notice of the convention—facts he alleged the commission failed to disclose in court proceedings.
He also noted that INEC monitored recent PDP primaries in Ekiti and Osun states, with official communication coming from the Turaki-led NWC.
While acknowledging what he described as mounting pressure on INEC, Ememobong stressed that the commission’s primary allegiance should be to Nigerians and the defence of democratic principles.
He referenced recent Supreme Court judgments, including a ruling in the SDP case, which he said barred INEC from interfering in the internal leadership affairs of political parties.
Ememobong insisted that all legitimate organs and administrative structures of the PDP are under the control of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), adding that within the past month, the party’s Board of Trustees, Governors’ Forum, state chairmen, National Assembly caucuses, former governors, ministers, and other key stakeholders have acknowledged the current NWC.
He accused INEC of hypocrisy and bias, alleging that the electoral body is deliberately undermining the PDP and weakening democracy in Nigeria. He also questioned the rationale behind a recent meeting between PDP representatives and INEC, despite the commission’s claim that the matter was sub judice.
The PDP spokesperson called on party members and Nigerians at large to remain calm, resolute, and supportive of what he described as efforts to reposition the party for future electoral success.
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