Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to due process as it convened a crucial meeting with contending factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assuring all parties that it will be guided strictly by the final decision of the Court of Appeal on the party’s leadership dispute.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, invited the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Turaki, SAN, alongside some former party members laying claim to various leadership positions, in an effort to address what he described as the “lingering crisis in the party.”
During the meeting, both sides were given the opportunity to comprehensively present their positions. It was jointly acknowledged that the issues in contention are already before the Court of Appeal.
At the close of deliberations, Prof. Amupitan clarified that the purpose of the engagement was to hear directly from all parties involved, noting that the Commission is fully aware of the pending cases.
He emphasized that INEC will await the final judgment of the Court of Appeal before taking any definitive position on the matter.
Speaking after the meeting, the PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, reiterated the resolve of his leadership to remain focused on the party’s constitutional responsibilities.
“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 was quoted as saying in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.
The meeting was widely seen as a constructive step toward institutional clarity, with INEC underscoring its respect for the judiciary and the rule of law as the ultimate arbiter in the ongoing PDP leadership tussle.
