PDP Faults INEC Over Refusal to Recognise Turaki-Led NWC

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Fresh tension has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to acknowledge the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN). Leaders aligned with Turaki have questioned the electoral body’s stance, suggesting the move raises concerns about neutrality in handling the party’s internal dispute.

The reaction came through a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, who argued that the PDP remains a single, unified organization despite the ongoing disagreements. According to him, claims of factional divisions within the party are exaggerated and misleading.

Disagreement Over INEC’s Position

The controversy began after INEC declined to officially recognise the national officers reportedly elected during the PDP’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025. The commission explained that it could not upload or validate the list of officials presented by the group supporting Turaki.

In a formal communication dated December 22, 2025, INEC stated that unresolved legal proceedings and previous court rulings related to the PDP leadership crisis prevent it from endorsing any particular leadership structure at this stage.

The letter, signed by the commission’s Secretary Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, stressed that recognising any leadership faction while cases are still pending in court could interfere with the judicial process.

PDP Insists Turaki Leadership Is Legitimate

Despite INEC’s refusal, Ememobong insisted that the Turaki-led NWC remains the legitimate administrative authority within the PDP. He maintained that there is no competing leadership structure, dismissing the camp aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike as merely a group of associates rather than an organised faction within the party.

He argued that the dispute should ultimately be settled by the courts, emphasizing that the PDP leadership is prepared to await a final judicial determination.

Appeal Processes Already Underway

The PDP spokesperson also addressed the court judgments cited by INEC. According to him, the rulings have already been challenged through appeals, and applications seeking a stay of execution have been filed.

He said the matters are expected to be reviewed by the Court of Appeal, which will determine the next steps regarding the party’s leadership structure. Until that decision is reached, the party believes its internal processes remain valid.

Questions Raised Over INEC’s Role

Ememobong further alleged that INEC had earlier participated in activities that led to the Ibadan convention. He stated that the electoral body monitored meetings of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) where delegates agreed on the date and location of the convention.

According to him, the commission also received official notification of the event in advance, suggesting that INEC was fully aware of the processes leading to the election of the Turaki-led leadership.

He claimed these details were not sufficiently acknowledged in the legal arguments referenced by the commission.

Evidence of Engagement With the Turaki Leadership

The PDP spokesperson pointed out that the electoral body recently monitored party primaries in Ekiti and Osun states. He added that communication regarding those primaries originated from the Turaki-led National Working Committee.

From the party’s perspective, this interaction demonstrates that the current NWC continues to function as the party’s administrative leadership despite the unresolved dispute.

Claims of External Pressure

While stopping short of naming specific actors, Ememobong suggested that INEC may be facing external pressure not to recognise the Turaki leadership. He reminded the commission that its constitutional responsibility is to safeguard democratic processes and remain independent.

According to him, decisions affecting political parties should always be guided by constitutional principles rather than political influence.

Support From Key Party Stakeholders

The PDP leadership camp also claims that several major organs within the party have already endorsed the Turaki-led NWC. Among those reportedly expressing support are:

The PDP Board of Trustees
Members of the PDP Governors’ Forum
State party chairmen
PDP caucuses in the National Assembly
Former governors and ministers associated with the party

Ememobong said this backing demonstrates that the party’s administrative structure remains intact under Turaki’s leadership.

Reference to Supreme Court Rulings

To strengthen the party’s position, the spokesperson referenced recent judgments from the Supreme Court, including a decision involving the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

According to his interpretation of the ruling, the court reaffirmed that the internal leadership arrangements of political parties fall largely within the jurisdiction of the parties themselves. He argued that this principle should prevent INEC from interfering in leadership decisions that arise from party conventions and constitutional processes.

Commentary and Political Analysis

The PDP’s dispute with INEC highlights a recurring issue in Nigerian politics: the complex relationship between political parties, internal governance, and electoral oversight. While INEC is responsible for regulating electoral processes, the courts have repeatedly held that political parties possess significant autonomy in managing their internal affairs.

This tension often becomes most visible during leadership struggles or disputed conventions, when multiple groups claim legitimacy. In such circumstances, electoral bodies typically rely on court rulings to determine which faction to recognise.

For the PDP, the outcome of ongoing legal battles will likely shape the party’s stability ahead of future elections. A clear judicial decision could either consolidate the Turaki leadership or reopen the internal contest for control of the party structure.

Regardless of the final verdict, the episode underscores how internal conflicts within major political parties can influence the broader democratic landscape in Nigeria.