INEC has declined to recognise the Turaki-led PDP leadership, citing ongoing court cases, triggering fresh accusations of bias and interference in party affairs.
Nigeria’s main opposition party has been thrown deeper into turmoil following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold recognition of the leadership emerging from the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) disputed national convention.
The decision, which has further inflamed tensions within the party, underscores the growing PDP leadership crisis and its potential implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.
INEC’s position was formally communicated days after it held meetings with the rival factions claiming control of the PDP’s national structure.
According to the electoral umpire, it would not recognise or make any administrative changes regarding the party’s leadership until all court cases challenging the conduct and outcome of the PDP’s national convention are fully resolved.
The convention in question, held in Ibadan between November 15 and 16, 2025, produced a National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
However, the emergence of court actions contesting the process has placed the party’s leadership in legal limbo, forcing INEC to adopt what it describes as a neutral, law-abiding stance.
In a memo dated December 22 and signed by the commission’s Secretary, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC made it clear that it would neither recognise nor upload the list of national officers produced by the Ibadan convention.
The commission maintained that any such action while the matter remains before the courts would amount to a violation of existing judicial orders.
INEC further explained that the PDP leadership crisis is now sub judice, making it inappropriate for the commission to take steps that could be interpreted as prejudging ongoing legal proceedings.
It stressed that its records would remain unchanged until the appeals arising from the convention disputes are conclusively determined by the courts.
The commission’s position, however, has been strongly rejected by the Turaki-led NWC, which accused INEC of abandoning neutrality and aligning with interests allegedly determined to weaken the opposition party.
The faction argued that INEC’s refusal to act goes beyond legal caution and amounts to undue interference in the internal affairs of a political party.
Reacting on behalf of the faction, National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong accused the electoral body of bias, alleging that it had failed or refused to submit relevant documents within its possession during court proceedings.
According to him, this alleged omission was deliberate and aimed at supporting individuals and groups seeking to destabilise the PDP.
Ememobong reminded INEC of the Supreme Court’s recent judgment in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) case, which reaffirmed that the commission has no constitutional authority to interfere in the internal leadership arrangements of political parties.
He argued that by refusing to recognise the leadership produced by the PDP convention, INEC was indirectly violating this principle.
The PDP spokesman insisted that, contrary to public perception, there is no faction within the party.
He maintained that the party remains united under a single leadership structure headed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and that all legitimate organs of the party recognise this authority.
He also pointed out that INEC actively monitored key party activities, including National Executive Committee meetings where the convention date and venue were agreed.
Additionally, the commission was formally notified of the convention and later monitored governorship primaries in Ekiti and Osun states conducted under the supervision of the Turaki-led NWC.
These actions, the faction argued, contradict INEC’s current posture and raise questions about consistency and fairness in its handling of the PDP leadership crisis.
While acknowledging that the commission may be under pressure, Ememobong stressed that its primary loyalty should be to the Nigerian people and the protection of democratic principles, not to political interests.
He further revealed that several influential PDP stakeholder groups—including the Board of Trustees, Governors’ Forum, National Assembly caucuses, state chairmen, former governors, and former ministers—have in recent weeks met with and endorsed the Turaki-led leadership.
This, he said, reflects the will of the majority within the party.
The faction dismissed rival groups aligned with Nyesom Wike and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as a minority, arguing that democracy is fundamentally rooted in majority rule.
According to them, describing such groups as a “faction” of the PDP misrepresents the reality within the party.
Despite expressing disappointment with INEC’s stance, the Turaki-led NWC urged party members to remain calm and focused.
The leadership called for patience as legal processes run their course, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal will ultimately clarify the issues surrounding the convention.
As the PDP leadership crisis continues to unfold, political observers warn that prolonged uncertainty could weaken the party’s opposition role ahead of future elections.
The situation also raises broader questions about the balance between judicial processes, electoral oversight, and internal party democracy in Nigeria’s political system.
For now, the PDP remains caught between the courtroom and the political arena, with INEC standing firm on its decision and party leaders vowing to pursue what they describe as justice, unity, and democratic renewal.
Ireport247news
