PDP Questions INEC Neutrality Over Refusal to Recognise Turaki Led NWC

PDP Questions INEC Neutrality Over Refusal to Recognise Turaki Led NWC
Party insists no faction exists within its leadership structure.
INEC cites court rulings and pending litigation.

A leadership group of the Peoples Democratic Party has raised concerns over the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission following the commission’s refusal to recognise the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki led National Working Committee of the party.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the group insisted that there is no faction within the PDP, describing the camp loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as merely a committee of friends.

The party said it would await a court ruling on the leadership dispute, which is currently before the courts.

Earlier on Tuesday, INEC announced that it would not recognise the Turaki led NWC, citing subsisting court judgements and ongoing legal processes surrounding the PDP leadership crisis.

In a letter dated December 22, 2025 and signed by its Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran Anthony, the commission said it could not acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers reportedly elected at the PDP National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

INEC explained that its position was guided by existing court rulings and unresolved litigation, adding that it would be improper to recognise any factional leadership while the matter remains before the courts.

Responding, Ememobong maintained that the Turaki led NWC remains the authentic leadership of the party and accused INEC of acting under pressure.

“The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party reiterates that in law and fact, there is no faction in the Peoples Democratic Party,” he said.

He argued that INEC monitored and participated in key party meetings, including the National Executive Committee sessions where the convention date and venue were approved, as well as the Ekiti and Osun governorship primaries conducted under the Turaki led NWC.

PDP Questions INEC Recognise Turaki Led NWC

Ememobong further accused the electoral body of hypocrisy and bias, alleging that INEC’s actions were aimed at weakening the opposition and undermining democracy.

He urged party members to remain calm and resolute as the PDP continues efforts to reposition itself ahead of future elections.