The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) factions have provided insight into their meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday. The meeting, according to INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, aimed to address the ongoing crisis within the party. The PDP is currently divided into two factions: one led by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who claims the national secretary position, and is backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the other led by Kabiru Turaki, supported by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Following the meeting at INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja, both factions spoke to the media. Senator Anyanwu commended the INEC chairman for initiating the meeting, stating that it demonstrated the commission’s desire for the PDP to thrive as Nigeria’s main opposition party. He noted that INEC is exploring options to resolve the crisis, adding that both sides presented their perspectives and identified areas of conflict, which are rooted in personal grievances, aggression, and ego. Anyanwu expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger, citing the PDP’s established mechanism for managing internal disputes.
Kabiru Turaki, the national chairman of the PDP from the Oyo convention, explained that his faction was invited to the meeting, along with former party members who had been expelled. Turaki stated that INEC is seeking solutions to the party’s lingering problems and has pledged to carefully consider their presentation. He acknowledged that some matters are currently before the Court of Appeal and that INEC cannot intervene in judicial proceedings. However, the commission has committed to examining the issues raised by both factions.
Turaki also addressed the issue of faction recognition, drawing an analogy with traditional dispute resolution. He suggested that, just as elders would listen to all parties in a land dispute, INEC’s approach is aimed at reconciliation and ensuring that all voices are heard. The meeting marks a significant step towards resolving the PDP’s internal crisis, which has been ongoing for some time. The outcome of INEC’s deliberations and the subsequent actions of the party’s factions will be closely watched, as the situation continues to unfold.
