Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has voiced strong criticism against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its recent intervention in the internal crisis plaguing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The electoral body summoned opposing factions of the PDP, led by Tanimu Turaki and Abdulrahman Mohammed, to its Abuja headquarters in an effort to mediate the leadership dispute.
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan stated that the commission’s involvement was prompted by a series of communications from the party. Furthermore, the intervention was deemed necessary in light of upcoming electoral engagements, including the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, and the governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states in June and July of the same year.
Speaking to select journalists in Ibadan, Governor Makinde expressed his dismay at INEC’s approach, describing it as a deliberate attempt to sideline legitimate party stakeholders. He alleged that the commission’s engagement with the factions was a maneuver to undermine the established leadership of the PDP, stating, “They played our people. They invited them and said we want to engage with the leadership of PDP.”
Makinde firmly asserted that the PDP is not divided by factions and called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene by reining in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. He believes that such an action from the President is crucial for the survival of democracy in Nigeria and to prevent further interference in the party’s affairs.
The Oyo State Governor emphasized that the PDP conducted its convention in Ibadan with proper notification to INEC, fulfilling all legal requirements. He suggested that INEC’s decision to engage with what he termed “factions” demonstrates a deliberate attempt to ignore the party’s properly constituted leadership, likening it to an ostrich burying its head in the sand.
Makinde further commented on the challenging nature of the current INEC Chairman’s role, implying that the commission’s actions are adding unnecessary complications to an already difficult task. He suggested that the commission should avoid engaging in activities outside its mandate, particularly when it comes to the internal matters of political parties.
