The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its handling of the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.
The group’s reaction followed a meeting convened on Thursday by INEC with leaders of registered political parties in Abuja. The electoral body invited representatives of the PDP faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, a group believed to be loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, to attend the engagement.
In response, the Turaki-led faction expressed strong disapproval, describing INEC’s move as premature and insensitive to unresolved legal disputes surrounding the PDP leadership. This position was outlined in a statement issued by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.
According to the statement, INEC’s action disregards several cases currently before the courts and could potentially trigger a breakdown of law and order. The faction warned that it is considering legal options, stressing that the commission ought to have exercised caution given the circumstances.
The group further accused INEC of acting with bias, insisting that the commission lacks the authority to determine who leads the PDP.
Despite the development, the faction maintained that there is no cause for panic, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal will ultimately rule in its favour.
“We are aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission invited leaders of political parties to a meeting today and extended that invitation to some former members of our party who claim to be leading a so-called National Caretaker Committee,” the statement said.
It added that such a structure is not recognized by the PDP constitution and that the action, though capable of provoking unrest, will be challenged through appropriate legal means.
The faction argued that INEC, as an impartial umpire, should have taken note of the pending matters before the Court of Appeal—including the judgment being relied upon—and refrained from taking steps that could influence the outcome of the cases.
“We can assure everyone that INEC will not choose leaders for our party,” the statement emphasized.
The group urged PDP members nationwide to remain calm and optimistic as the legal process unfolds, assuring them that the leadership struggle will soon be resolved by the appellate court.
It also reaffirmed confidence in the Rebirth Movement of the PDP under the leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, stating that the party remains resilient and will overcome its internal challenges.
According to the faction, the PDP will emerge stronger and more united, ready to offer Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling party, which it accused of inflicting hardship and suffering on the country.
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