INEC Meets PDP Factions, Awaits Court Ruling On Party Leadership Dispute

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will await the judgement of the Court of Appeal on the ongoing leadership tussle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This followed a meeting held on Friday between the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, and some former members of the party claiming leadership positions.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, confirmed the outcome of the meeting in a statemented.

According to the statement, the meeting was convened to “find a way to resolve the lingering crisis in the party.” Both sides reportedly presented their positions and acknowledged that the matter was already before the Court of Appeal.

Prof. Amupitan noted that the Commission’s role was to listen to both parties and reaffirmed that INEC was aware of the pending court cases. He stated that the Commission would abide by the court’s final judgement before taking any further steps.

Speaking after the meeting, PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), maintained that his leadership remains the authentic one recognised by law until the courts decide otherwise.

“As the authentic leadership of the party that emerged at a valid convention (though contested in court), while awaiting the pronouncement of the court, we will continue to undertake the duties of an opposition party, which is to hold government to account on critical issues like security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, etc.,” Turaki said.