The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally rejected the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), deepening the leadership crisis rocking Nigeria’s main opposition party.
INEC made it clear that it will not recognise the National Working Committee (NWC) being paraded by the Turaki faction, stressing that unresolved court cases and existing judicial decisions make such recognition impossible at this time.
In an official correspondence dated December 22, 2025, and signed by the commission’s Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC stated that it could not honour requests to acknowledge or upload the list of national officers said to have emerged from the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.
According to the commission, its decision is firmly rooted in the legal situation surrounding the party. INEC explained that there are subsisting court judgments as well as ongoing litigation linked to the PDP’s leadership dispute, which restrict its ability to act on any factional claims.
The electoral body emphasised that recognising any set of officers while the matter remains before the courts would amount to disregarding the rule of law.
It noted that until the judiciary conclusively resolves the disputes, INEC will maintain its current position.
The development is a major setback for the Turaki-led group, which has been pushing for official recognition following the controversial convention.
The rejection also raises fresh concerns about the PDP’s internal stability ahead of future electoral activities.
INEC’s stance signals that the commission will not be drawn into internal party conflicts, especially where legal processes are still ongoing.
However, party stakeholders are now left to seek clarity and resolution through the courts.
