A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns over the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the electoral body’s refusal to recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
Reacting in a statement issued on Tuesday, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, insisted that the party is not factionalised, describing the group aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as merely “a committee of friends.”
According to Ememobong, the leadership dispute remains before the courts, and the party will abide by the outcome of the judicial process.
INEC had earlier announced that it would not recognise the Turaki-led NWC, citing subsisting court judgments and unresolved legal processes surrounding the PDP’s 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 said to have emerged from the party’s national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The commission explained that recognising any factional leadership while the matter is still before the courts would be inappropriate.
However, Ememobong maintained that the Turaki-led NWC remains the authentic leadership of the PDP, alleging that INEC is acting under undue pressure. He stressed that the electoral umpire has a constitutional responsibility to protect democracy and remain impartial.
He further argued that INEC monitored key party activities, including National Executive Committee meetings where the convention date and venue were agreed, as well as party primaries in Ekiti and Osun states, all conducted under the Turaki-led leadership.
The PDP spokesperson also referenced recent Supreme Court judgments, warning INEC against interfering in the internal affairs of political parties.
Ememobong accused the commission of bias and hypocrisy, claiming its actions are aimed at weakening the opposition party and undermining democratic principles. He urged PDP members and Nigerians to remain calm and steadfast as the party continues efforts to reposition itself for future electoral success.