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2027: Turaki camp fumes as INEC rejects PDP excos
INEC Rejects Turaki-Led PDP NWC, Cites Court Judgments and Pending Legal Processes
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally rejected the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing subsisting court judgments and unresolved legal proceedings surrounding the party’s disputed leadership structure.
INEC’s decision follows weeks of internal wrangling within the PDP, with two rival factions laying claim to the party’s national leadership and seeking official recognition from the electoral umpire.
INEC’s Position and Legal Justification
In a letter dated December 22 and addressed to the Turaki-led NWC’s legal representatives, Akintayo Balogun & Co, INEC stated that it could not recognise or update the list of PDP national officers allegedly elected at the party’s National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16.
The letter, signed by Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, Secretary to the Commission, explained that the decision was based on existing final judgments of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, which expressly restrained INEC from recognising the outcome of the convention pending compliance with court orders.
INEC cited two key judgments:
- Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025: Austine Nwachukwu & 2 Ors. v. INEC & 8 Ors., delivered on October 31, 2025.
- Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025: Alhaji Sule Lamido v. PDP & 4 Ors., delivered on November 14, 2025.
According to INEC, both judgments are final and binding, stressing that the mere filing of appeals does not operate as a stay of execution under Nigerian law, in line with Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Conflicting PDP Leadership Claims
While PDP governors had endorsed the Ibadan convention where Turaki and other NWC members were elected for four-year terms, the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike insisted that Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu remained Acting National Chairman and Acting National Secretary, respectively.
Despite governors facilitating a handover from former chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki ahead of Damagum’s tenure expiration on December 9, the Wike-aligned group went ahead on December 8 to announce a 60-day caretaker committee comprising 13 members.
Both camps subsequently sought INEC’s recognition, escalating the leadership tussle to a legal and institutional standoff.
Turaki-Led NWC Reacts, Accuses INEC of Bias
Responding to INEC’s rejection, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary under the Turaki-led NWC, Ini Ememobong, insisted that there was no faction within the party and maintained that the leadership remained legitimate.
Ememobong noted that the court judgments referenced by INEC had already been appealed and that applications for stay of execution were pending before the Court of Appeal.
He further alleged that INEC had earlier monitored PDP National Executive Committee meetings and received formal notice of the Ibadan convention, accusing the commission of suppressing these facts in court filings.
Ememobong also referenced recent Supreme Court decisions, particularly in the SDP case, which he said barred INEC from interfering in the internal leadership affairs of political parties.
Anyanwu Welcomes INEC’s Decision
On the other hand, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the Wike-backed caretaker committee, welcomed INEC’s stance, describing it as a commendable respect for the rule of law.
Speaking exclusively, Anyanwu said the Ibadan convention could not be recognised by any legal authority, adding that INEC deserved praise for faithfully adhering to court judgments.
Implications for PDP and Nigerian Democracy
The latest development deepens the PDP leadership crisis, raising concerns about the party’s preparedness for future elections and its ability to function as a united opposition platform.
As legal battles continue, political observers warn that prolonged internal disputes could weaken democratic competition and undermine public confidence in party institutions.
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