The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined to recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing existing court judgments and ongoing legal disputes concerning the party’s leadership. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Turaki faction, which asserts its legitimacy and accuses the electoral body of bias and operating under external pressure.
In a letter dated December 22, 2025, and signed by its Secretary, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC explicitly stated its inability to act on demands to acknowledge or upload the list of national officers purportedly elected at a PDP National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025. The commission underscored that its stance is guided by judicial pronouncements and pending litigation, making it improper to recognise any factional leadership while the matter remains sub judice.
Responding to INEC’s position, Ini Ememobong, the National Publicity Secretary for the Turaki-led faction, maintained that in both law and fact, no genuine faction exists within the Peoples Democratic Party. He characterised the group loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, as merely a “committee of friends,” reiterating that the Turaki-led NWC represents the authentic leadership of the party.
Ememobong further argued that INEC’s decision is influenced by significant pressure, despite its constitutional mandate to uphold democracy and serve Nigerians impartially. He highlighted that INEC had monitored and participated in National Executive Committee meetings where the convention date and venue were unanimously agreed upon, and was also in receipt of the convention notice, facts he alleges the commission has “unconscionably suppressed” in various court proceedings.
The faction also pointed to INEC’s monitoring of primaries in Ekiti and Osun states, with communication emanating directly from the Turaki-led NWC, as evidence of their legitimate operational control. While acknowledging the immense pressure INEC might face, Ememobong stressed the commission’s primary responsibility to defend and protect democratic principles, rather than succumbing to external influences.
Furthermore, the Turaki faction noted that while awaiting the Court of Appeal’s judgment on appeals filed against the Federal High Court rulings, they expect INEC to be guided by recent Supreme Court pronouncements. They specifically referenced a Supreme Court judgment in the SDP case, delivered just last week, which reportedly bars INEC from interfering in the internal leadership affairs of political parties, reinforcing their argument against the commission’s current stance.
Ememobong accused INEC of displaying “hypocrisy and consistent bias” throughout the dispute, suggesting that the electoral umpire has deliberately failed or refused to file crucial documents in court that were within its possession. He posited that such actions appear designed to aid those allegedly intent on undermining the PDP and ultimately truncating Nigeria’s democracy, questioning the rationale behind a recent meeting with the commission if the matter was truly considered sub judice.
The Turaki-led leadership urged all party members and Nigerians to remain calm and steadfast in their support for the party’s ongoing “rebirth and renaissance” efforts. They expressed confidence in their repositioning strategy for future electoral success, despite the current challenges posed by the leadership dispute and INEC’s non-recognition.
