Turaki-led NWC dismisses factional crisis in PDP, accuses INEC of bias

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by Kabiru Turaki (SAN), has reaffirmed that the PDP is not divided into factions, insisting that all legitimate organs of the party remain under its control.

The party made the clarification while reacting to a letter by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in which the commission said it could not recognise or upload the details of the PDP leadership elected at the Ibadan national convention, citing judgements of the Federal High Court.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the NWC explained that the judgments referenced by INEC have been appealed, with applications for stay of execution already filed, adding that the Court of Appeal is expected to rule on the matter.

The PDP leadership accused INEC of acting in bad faith, noting that the commission monitored and participated in the party’s National Executive Committee meetings where the convention date and venue were unanimously agreed.

Ememobong stated that INEC received formal notice of the convention, noting that the commission has failed to disclose in court proceedings.

Ememobong further recalled that INEC monitored the PDP governorship primaries in Ekiti and Osun States, which were conducted under the supervision of the Turaki-led NWC, saying this further affirms the legitimacy of the current party leadership.

While acknowledging that INEC claimed neutrality in the dispute, the PDP spokesman urged the commission to be guided by recent Supreme Court pronouncements, particularly in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) case, which he said clearly barred INEC from interfering in the internal leadership affairs of political parties.

PDP leadership: INEC rejects Turaki-led NWC, cites valid court judgements

Ememobong stressed that the recognition of the party’s leadership by major stakeholder groups, including the Board of Trustees, PDP Governors’ Forum, state chairmen, National Assembly caucuses, former governors and ministers, clearly shows that there is no faction within the party.

Describing INEC’s conduct as biased, Ememobong alleged that the commission deliberately withheld relevant documents during court proceedings to support interests bent on destabilising the PDP.

He said: “INEC has continuously shown bias in this matter, even in the court, where they failed or refused to file documents that were in their possession and within their knowledge, obviously to aid those who are bent on killing the PDP and truncating democracy.

“We therefore urge all Nigerians, particularly, our members to remain calm, resolute and continue to support the rebirth and renaissance moves of the party, as we reposition the party for electoral success in the coming elections.”

The Star