The Peoples Democratic Party has reaffirmed that it remains a united political party, dismissing claims of internal factionalisation and accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission of bias in its handling of the party’s leadership dispute.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said there is “in law and fact, no faction” within the party, insisting that all legitimate organs and administrative structures are under the control of the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
The party was reacting to a letter from INEC in which the commission said it was unable to recognise and upload the data of the PDP’s elected leadership following the party’s convention in Ibadan, citing judgments of the Federal High Court.
According to the PDP, those judgments have already been appealed, with applications for stay of execution filed, and the matters are awaiting determination by the Court of Appeal.
The PDP further stated that INEC monitored and participated in the National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings where the convention’s date and venue were unanimously agreed, and was duly notified of the convention. It alleged that the commission failed to disclose these facts in court proceedings.
The party also pointed to INEC’s monitoring of PDP primaries in Ekiti and Osun states, which it said were conducted under the leadership of the Turaki-led NWC, as evidence of the legitimacy of the current leadership.
While acknowledging what it described as “monumental pressure” on INEC, the PDP urged the commission to uphold its constitutional duty to Nigerians and protect democracy. It cited recent Supreme Court judgments, including a decision in the SDP case, which it said barred INEC from interfering in the internal leadership affairs of political parties.
Ememobong said major stakeholders within the PDP—including the Board of Trustees, Governors’ Forum, state chairmen, National Assembly caucuses, former governors and ministers—have all met with and recognised the current NWC. He argued that a “committee of friends of Wike and Anyanwu” cannot be described as a faction of the PDP.
The party accused INEC of hypocrisy and consistent bias, alleging that the commission failed to file relevant documents in court and held a “contrived meeting” despite knowing the matter was already before the courts.
The PDP called on its members and Nigerians to remain calm and resolute, assuring them of the party’s commitment to internal renewal and repositioning ahead of forthcoming elections.
