The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its stance that there is no faction within the party, following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to reject the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).
INEC’s rejection was based on existing court judgments and pending litigation related to the party’s leadership crisis. In a letter dated December 22, 2025, the commission stated that it could not recognize the national officers elected at the PDP’s National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The commission cited subsisting court decisions as the reason for its stance, adding that it would be improper to recognize any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, responded to INEC’s decision, stating that the party has appealed the judgment upon which the commission based its rejection of the Turaki-led NWC. Ememobong emphasized that the party’s leadership is legitimate and that all administrative structures are under the control of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki. He noted that the said judgments have been appealed, and an application for a stay of execution has been filed, with the Court of Appeal set to hear and give judgment in the matters soon.
The development is the latest in the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP. The party has been embroiled in a protracted dispute, with different factions vying for control. The INEC’s decision not to recognize the Turaki-led NWC has significant implications for the party’s operations and its ability to participate in future elections.
The PDP has maintained that it is a unified party, with Ememobong reiterating that “in law and fact, there is no faction in the Peoples Democratic Party.” The party’s appeal and application for a stay of execution are currently pending, and the outcome of these legal proceedings will likely have a significant impact on the party’s future. As the matter continues to unfold, the PDP’s leadership and INEC will be closely watched to see how they navigate this complex situation.
