PDP insists there is no faction, accuses INEC of bias

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed that it remains a united political organisation, insisting that there is no faction within its ranks despite claims to the contrary.

In a press statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said both in law and in fact, the party has a single, legitimate leadership structure. The statement followed a letter from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in which the electoral body explained its inability to recognise and upload the details of the party’s leadership elected at its convention in Ibadan, citing judgments of the Federal High Court.

The PDP disclosed that the judgments referenced by INEC have already been appealed, with applications for stay of execution filed, and expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would soon rule on the matter. The party further stated that INEC had monitored and participated in National Executive Committee meetings where the convention’s date and venue were unanimously agreed, as well as received formal notice of the convention.

According to the PDP, INEC also monitored the party’s governorship primaries in Ekiti and Osun states, which were conducted under the leadership of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN. The party accused the commission of suppressing these facts in court proceedings.

While acknowledging what it described as pressure on INEC, the PDP reminded the commission of its constitutional duty to Nigerians and the protection of democracy. The party also cited recent Supreme Court judgments, including one involving the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which barred INEC from interfering in the internal leadership affairs of political parties.

“The truth remains that there is no faction in the PDP, as all legitimate organs and the administrative structure of the party are under the control of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN,” the statement read. It added that within the past month, key party stakeholders—including the Board of Trustees, Governors’ Forum, National Assembly caucuses, state chairmen, former governors and ministers—have met with and recognised the current NWC.

The PDP criticised what it described as a “committee of friends” loyal to Nyesom Wike and Samuel Anyanwu, insisting such a group cannot be regarded as a faction of the party. The party further accused INEC of hypocrisy and consistent bias, alleging that the commission failed to file relevant documents in court to aid what it termed efforts to undermine the PDP.

Questioning the rationale behind a recent meeting convened by INEC despite the matter being in court, the PDP alleged that the move was aimed at creating a false impression of division within the party.

The party urged its members and Nigerians at large to remain calm and resolute, while continuing to support what it described as efforts to reposition the PDP for electoral success in future elections.