INEC rejects Turaki-led PDP NWC citing subsisting court judgments, while Wike-backed faction welcomes the decision

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has rejected the Turaki-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing subsisting court judgments and unresolved legal processes as the basis for its decision.

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In a letter dated December 22, 2025, addressed to the lawyers of the Turaki-led NWC, Akintayo Balogun & Co, and signed by Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, Secretary to the Commission, INEC stated that it could not recognise or update the list of PDP national officers allegedly elected at the November 15–16, 2025 convention.

The letter noted that two final Federal High Court judgments—Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025—restrained INEC from recognising the outcome of the convention until the orders are complied with.

INEC added that filing appeals against the judgments does not constitute a stay of execution and that it remains bound to enforce the court orders.

INEC also referenced interim orders from the High Court of Oyo State and a related suit, emphasising that such orders cannot override final judgments from courts of equal or higher authority.

In response, the Turaki-led NWC’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, maintained that the leadership was legitimate and insisted that there was no faction within the PDP.

Ememobong highlighted that appeals and applications for stay of execution had been filed and that the Court of Appeal was expected to deliver rulings soon.

He further accused INEC of bias, noting that the commission had monitored previous PDP activities, including the Ekiti and Osun primaries, which were conducted under the Turaki-led NWC.

Ememobong added that all major PDP organs, including the Board of Trustees, governors’ forum, state chairmen, and National Assembly caucuses, had recognised Turaki’s leadership.

Meanwhile, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the Wike-backed NWC caretaker committee, welcomed INEC’s decision.

In an exclusive interview with PUNCH, Anyanwu said: “This is a welcome development. INEC deserves commendation for respecting the law and the court judgment. The Ibadan gathering cannot and should not be acceptable by any legal entity.”

The controversy stems from rival factions within the PDP, with the Turaki-led NWC elected at the Ibadan convention on November 16, 2025, and the Wike-aligned group claiming acting leadership positions prior to the convention.

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Both factions have been seeking INEC’s official recognition.