BREAKING: INEC rejects Turaki-led PDP NWC over court judgements
The Peoples Democratic Party PDP leadership crisis deepened on Monday as the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC rejected the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The INEC rejection of the PDP leadership followed subsisting court judgments and unresolved legal processes surrounding the party’s national convention.
INEC stated its position in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by its Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The letter was made available to journalists and addressed growing demands linked to the PDP leadership crisis.
Court Judgments Bar Recognition
The decision on the PDP leadership crisis came after the commission reviewed requests from the party’s lawyers seeking official recognition of officers elected at the Ibadan convention.
The convention was held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to INEC, the requests were examined “in the light of all material facts, extant laws, and subsisting court judgments touching directly on the subject matter.”
INEC linked the PDP leadership crisis to two Federal High Court judgments in Abuja.
The judgments were delivered on October 31 and November 14, 2025.
Both cases expressly restrained INEC from recognising outcomes of the PDP convention.
“Both judgments, which are final in nature and binding on all parties, expressly restrained the Commission from supervising, monitoring, recognising, or in any manner whatsoever giving effect to the outcome of the PDP National Convention,” INEC said.
Appeals Do Not Stop Enforcement
The party’s leadership crisis remains unresolved despite notices of appeal filed by the PDP.
The commission stressed that an appeal does not operate as a stay of execution.
“Until the judgments are set aside or stayed by a competent court, the Commission remains bound to obey and give full effect to them in line with Section 287(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the letter read.
Oyo Court Orders Clarified
INEC also linked PDP leadership crisis to interim orders from the Oyo State High Court.
INEC clarified it had been struck out of that suit for lack of jurisdiction.
The commission added that interim orders cannot override subsisting final judgments of courts of coordinate or superior jurisdiction.
This clarification further reinforced INEC’s stance in the PDP leadership crisis.
Fresh Suit Still Pending
The main opposition’s leadership crisis may persist as another suit filed by the PDP is pending before the Federal High Court in Ibadan.
The party is seeking an order compelling INEC to recognise the disputed leadership.
“In light of the above pending suits, your request is prejudicial and cannot be acceded to until the determination of the pending appeals,” INEC stated.
“In the circumstances, and in obedience to the rule of law and subsisting court orders, the Commission is unable to accede to the demand,” the letter added.
INEC Reaffirms Rule of Law
The PDP leadership crisis was discussed with party’s leaders during a meeting on December 19, 2025.
The meeting was held at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
INEC assured stakeholders of its commitment to due process and judicial authority.
The commission said it would continue to act strictly within constitutional provisions.
