Turaki Asserts INEC Cannot Dictate Leadership Choices for PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Taminu Turaki’s National Working Committee (NWC), has firmly stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lacks the authority to appoint or recognize leaders for the party. This declaration came in response to INEC’s recent quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, which included representatives from a rival faction led by Abdulraman Mohammed, who claims to head a "National Caretaker Committee."

Ini Ememobong, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, criticized INEC’s decision to invite the Mohammed-led group, describing it as a violation of the party’s constitution. He emphasized that no provision in the PDP’s rules allows for an external body to impose leadership.

"We are aware of INEC’s meeting with political parties today," Ememobong said. "However, extending an invitation to individuals falsely claiming to lead a caretaker committee is not only provocative but also risks destabilizing the party. While we anticipated such actions from INEC, an impartial umpire should have considered pending court cases before making such a move."

He further warned that the party would pursue legal avenues to challenge INEC’s actions, stressing that the judiciary’s pending decisions would ultimately resolve the leadership dispute. Ememobong urged PDP members to remain patient, assuring them that the Turaki-led faction’s "rebirth movement" remains strong and committed to uniting the party as a viable opposition to the ruling government.

"Our movement is resilient," he added. "We will overcome these challenges and emerge as a stronger, more cohesive party ready to serve Nigerians."