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(UPDATED) PDP crisis: INEC rejects Turaki-led NWC, cites court judgments
INEC Rejects Recognition of Kabiru Turaki-Led PDP National Working Committee
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes surrounding the party’s disputed national convention.
INEC made this known in a formal letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by its Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, a copy of which was made available to journalists. According to the commission, the decision followed multiple requests from PDP legal representatives seeking official recognition and an update of the party’s national officers allegedly elected at the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.
INEC Cites Binding Court Judgments
INEC explained that all requests were carefully reviewed “in the light of all material facts, extant laws, and subsisting court judgments touching directly on the subject matter.” The commission specifically referenced two judgments delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja:
- Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, delivered on October 31, 2025
- Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, delivered on November 14, 2025
According to INEC, both judgments expressly restrained the commission from supervising, monitoring, recognising, or giving effect to the outcome of the PDP National Convention held on November 15–16, 2025, or any similar exercise, pending full compliance with court directives.
Appeals Do Not Stop Enforcement – INEC
The electoral body acknowledged that notices of appeal had been filed against the judgments but stressed that an appeal does not operate as a stay of execution under Nigerian law. INEC noted that until the judgments are set aside or stayed by a competent court, it remains legally bound to comply with them in accordance with Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
INEC further clarified that interim orders issued by the Oyo State High Court could not override final judgments of courts of coordinate or superior jurisdiction, adding that the commission had already been struck out of the Oyo case for lack of jurisdiction.
Fresh PDP Suit Still Pending
The commission also disclosed that another suit filed by the PDP is currently pending before the Federal High Court, Ibadan, where the party is seeking an order compelling INEC to recognise the NWC and members of the National Executive Committee purportedly elected at the Ibadan convention.
“In light of the above pending suits, your request is prejudicial and cannot be acceded to until the determination of the pending appeals,” INEC stated, reiterating its refusal to update or recognise the list of national officers claimed to have emerged from the convention.
INEC added that this position was clearly communicated to PDP leaders during a meeting held at its headquarters on December 19, 2025, reinforcing the commission’s commitment to due process and respect for judicial authority.
PDP Crisis Deepens Ahead of 2027 Elections
The PDP has remained deeply divided ahead of the 2027 general elections, with factions loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde holding rival meetings and disputing the legitimacy of party structures nationwide.
The controversial Ibadan convention was held amid conflicting court orders and was followed by a wave of suspensions and expulsions of key party figures, further exposing the internal crisis rocking Nigeria’s main opposition party.
In recent disciplinary actions, the Kabiru Turaki-led NWC suspended Nyesom Wike and several of his allies, while the Wike-backed PDP faction also suspended Governor Makinde and other party members, underscoring the scale of the rift within the party.
INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Rule of Law
INEC concluded by assuring stakeholders of its unwavering resolve to operate strictly within the confines of the Constitution and the rule of law, regardless of political pressure or internal party disputes.
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