INEC CHAIRMAN MEDIATES BETWEEN PDP FACTIONS, URGES ADHERENCE TO RULE OF LAW

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today hosted a crucial meeting with the factional leaderships of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

The meeting, convened at the instance of INEC Chairman, aimed to address the escalating internal crisis within the opposition party following a series of conflicting correspondences and court orders.

The Chairman, in his opening remarks, stated that the meeting was necessitated by "conflicting correspondence from various sources." He emphasized the urgency of resolving the party's issues ahead of the upcoming governorship elections in the Federal Capital Territory (February 2026), Ekiti State (June 2026), and Osun State (July 2026). Prof. Yakubu urged both factions to engage in frank discussions, guided by the sanctity of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC's regulatory policies.

FACTIONAL POSITIONS:

The Turaki-led faction, represented by its leaders, expressed confusion and disappointment over INEC's alleged disregard for its correspondence. They asserted there is "no faction within the party legally," claiming to be the constitutionally legitimate leadership. The faction detailed disciplinary measures taken against three members of the National Working Committee (NWC), accused the opposing group of actions capable of destroying the party and scuttling gubernatorial primaries in Ekiti and Osun, and called on INEC to officially recognize them and monitor their meetings.

In response, the Abdulrahman-led National Caretaker Committee countered that the NWC lacks the power to discipline national officers. They defended the legitimacy of the Caretaker Committee and its actions.

A key point of contention was the disciplinary process. The Turaki faction argued that the Party’s National Convention, as the highest organ, conferred legitimacy to the expulsions. The Abdulrahman faction, however, presented a counter-narrative regarding the Disciplinary Committee. They revealed that the committee was originally set up by the then-Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara (who now leads the Turaki faction's BOT), and that all its members had signed a document advising against holding the convention in obedience to a court order. They questioned whether all members were suddenly "saboteurs" for advocating respect for the judiciary.

Senator Wabara, speaking for the Turaki faction's BOT, had earlier alleged that the Disciplinary Committee was "compromised" as its members did not attend a BOT meeting on December 18, 2025, to defend its report, leading to its rejection.

INEC’S ADVISORY AND FINAL POSITION:

In his response, INEC Chairman advised all parties to be guided by history and the law. He reiterated his administration's commitment to neutrality, fairness, and transparency, citing past experiences in states like Zamfara and Plateau.

He outlined INEC's constraints, stating the Commission is legally bound to respect court judgments until they are set aside. He noted that specific court orders had restrained INEC from observing the PDP's conventions.

"The Commission is a midway between two Titans," INEC Chairman stated, emphasizing that while INEC has a statutory role to entertain party correspondence, it must remain subject to the Rule of Law and extant court orders. He advised that legal experts critically examine the intricacies of the case, warning of potential post-election consequences.

The Chairman concluded that INEC has taken note of all issues raised and will do its utmost best, within the ambit of the law, to support the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. He promised the Commission would seek remedial measures but stressed that any action must be lawful and respect judicial pronouncements.