The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed that it remains a united political organisation, insisting that there is no faction within its structure, contrary to recent claims and actions attributed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said both in law and in fact, its leadership remains intact and legitimately constituted. The party explained that INEC’s stated inability to recognise and upload details of the PDP’s elected leadership from its Ibadan convention was based on judgments of the Federal High Court, which have since been appealed.
According to the statement, applications for stay of execution have been filed, and the Court of Appeal is expected to hear and determine the matters soon. The PDP maintained that INEC fully monitored and participated in the National Executive Committee meetings where the convention’s date and venue were unanimously agreed, and also received formal notice of the convention.
The party further noted that INEC monitored the PDP governorship primaries in Ekiti and Osun states, with official communications issued by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), a development it said contradicted the commission’s current posture.
While acknowledging what it described as pressure on INEC, the PDP urged the commission to uphold its constitutional responsibility to Nigerians and protect democratic principles. The party also cited recent Supreme Court judgments, including one in the SDP case, which it said reaffirmed that INEC has no authority to interfere in the internal leadership affairs of political parties.
The PDP stressed that all its legitimate organs and administrative structures are under the control of the current NWC led by Mr Turaki, SAN, adding that key stakeholders—including the Board of Trustees, Governors’ Forum, state chairmen, National Assembly caucuses, former governors and ministers—have all met with and recognised the existing leadership.
It dismissed claims that groups loyal to certain individuals could be regarded as factions, arguing that democracy is founded on majority rule.
The party accused INEC of bias and inconsistency in its handling of the matter, alleging that the commission failed to present relevant documents in court and engaged in actions capable of creating a false perception of division within the PDP.
The PDP called on its members and Nigerians at large to remain calm and resolute, assuring them of its commitment to internal cohesion and ongoing efforts to reposition the party for success in future elections.
