A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Tanimu Turaki‑led National Working Committee (NWC), stressing that its leadership remains genuine and fully recognized within the party. In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias for refusing to recognize or update the list of elected National Officers from the Ibadan convention.
The Ibadan convention, held on 16 November, elected Turaki and other members of the NWC to four‑year terms. PDP governors endorsed the convention, ensuring a smooth transition from former Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure officially ended on 9 December. In contrast, a rival faction led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, along with Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, continues to claim the positions of Acting National Chairman and Acting National Secretary, respectively. The Wike‑aligned group appointed a 13‑member caretaker committee on 8 December, creating a competition for INEC’s formal recognition.
INEC, in a letter to the lawyers of the Turaki‑led NWC, cited compliance with the law and existing court orders as reasons for not recognizing or updating the list of PDP national officers allegedly elected at the November convention. The PDP faction responded that no faction exists within the party, either legally or in practice. It noted that the court judgments cited by INEC have been appealed and that an application for a stay of execution has been filed.
The party also pointed out that INEC had monitored and participated in the National Executive Committee meetings where the convention date and venue were unanimously agreed upon. Moreover, the primaries in Ekiti and Osun were duly monitored by INEC, with communications emanating from the Turaki‑led NWC. PDP officials urged INEC to follow Supreme Court judgments, particularly the SDP case, which bars the commission from interfering in internal party leadership affairs.
The Turaki‑led NWC emphasized that democracy is based on majority rule and that the Wike and Anyanwu group cannot be considered a legitimate PDP faction. The party called on all Nigerians, especially its members, to remain calm and resolute, supporting the party’s rebirth and renaissance as it repositions for electoral success in upcoming elections. The ongoing dispute between the two factions is likely to have significant implications for the PDP’s future and its ability to contest upcoming elections effectively.
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