The Tanimu Turaki–led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lacks the constitutional authority to appoint leadership for the party.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, made this known while reacting to INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, which was attended by the Abdulrahman Mohammed–led National Caretaker Committee (NCC).
Ememobong said the PDP was aware of the meeting convened by INEC on Thursday and noted that the commission extended invitations to some former party members, presenting them as representatives of a purported National Caretaker Committee. He stressed, however, that such a committee is unknown to the PDP constitution.
According to him, the action was vexatious and capable of generating unnecessary tension within the party, adding that the PDP would explore all available legal remedies. He further faulted INEC for failing to recognise that there are pending matters before the Court of Appeal, including judgments being relied upon, which would ultimately determine the leadership question.
Ememobong assured party members that INEC would not decide the PDP’s leadership and urged them to remain calm and confident in the judicial process, expressing optimism that the Court of Appeal would soon resolve the ongoing disputes.
He added that the party’s rebirth movement, under the leadership of Tanimu Turaki, SAN, remains firm and focused, noting that it would overcome the current challenges and emerge stronger and more united, offering Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling party.
