POLITICS
PDP Faults INEC Meeting, Says Commission Lacks Power to Determine Party Leadership
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed concerns arising from a recent meeting convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with political party leaders, insisting that the electoral body has no authority to impose or recognize any leadership structure within the opposition party.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP explained that INEC invited individuals it described as former members of the party who are claiming to represent a purported National Caretaker Committee, a body the PDP says does not exist under its constitution.
While noting that the development was not entirely unexpected given the party’s ongoing internal leadership disputes, the PDP expressed disappointment that INEC proceeded with the meeting despite several pending cases before the Court of Appeal. According to the party, some of the judgments reportedly relied upon by the commission are among those still subject to judicial determination.
“The expectation is that an impartial umpire would have exercised restraint, given the pendency of these cases,” the statement read, stressing that INEC lacks the constitutional power to determine or impose leadership on any political party.
The PDP warned that INEC’s action could heighten tensions and potentially threaten peace but assured that the matter would be addressed through all lawful means, including the ongoing legal processes.
The party urged its members nationwide to remain calm, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal would soon hear and resolve all leadership-related cases. It further reaffirmed its internal stability, stating that the party’s Rebirth Movement remains firmly intact under the leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has put to rest speculation over its governorship ticket, with the state Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, reaffirming Eric Opah as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FLO 94.9 FM, Chukwu declared that all controversies surrounding the party’s primaries have been resolved, and the results announced by the primary election committee — and subsequently ratified by the APC National Working Committee — remain valid and binding.
“The results of the primaries as announced by the primary election committee and ratified by the National Working Committee stand,” Chukwu said. He stressed that Eric Opah is the authentic governorship candidate of the APC in Abia State.
The chairman called on all party members to bury their differences and close ranks in order to build a formidable APC ahead of the 2027 polls.
In the same interview, Chukwu also confirmed that Hon. Erondu Uchenna will be the party’s candidate for the Abia South Senatorial District seat in the upcoming elections.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, has alleged that Justice Peter Lifu acted in contempt of court by issuing a judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other political parties despite a pending appeal.
According to Abdullahi, the Court of Appeal had directed that no action should be taken on the matter until the appeal is heard on October 27. He argued that proceeding with the judgment before the appellate court’s determination amounts to a disregard for the court’s directive.
“Justice Peter Lifu, the judge who gave the judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other parties, should be arrested. The Appeal Court said don’t act until the case is heard on October 27. He’s acting in contempt of court,” Abdullahi stated.
The remarks add a new dimension to the legal and political controversy surrounding the status of the affected political parties, with the matter expected to be further addressed when the appeal comes up for hearing.
KANO — Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso has been announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a leading figure in the party and former governor of Kano State.
The announcement comes amid ongoing political realignments within the NDC in Kano. The party recently unveiled Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as its governorship candidate for the state, following consultations among party stakeholders.
Political observers say the emergence of Mustapha Kwankwaso as running mate is expected to generate discussions within Kano’s political landscape, given his family ties to the influential Kwankwasiyya movement led by his father.
The NDC has continued to position itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party’s leadership expressing confidence in its chances across key states, including Kano.
Party officials are expected to provide further details on the candidature and campaign strategy in the coming days.
-
OPINION11 months ago10 seconds with Wike, reshaped my mindset on the difference between wants and needs – Udensi Bernard
-
NEWS12 months agoEFCC Detains Former Governor Tambuwal Over Alleged ₦189bn Fraud
-
NEWS11 months agoGov. Mbah Increases Corps Members’ Allowance to ₦20,000
-
NEWS11 months agoRep. Unyime Idem Unveils ₦1bn Family Business Grant for Constituents
-
POLITICS1 year agoDr. Okezie Ikpeazu: A Voice That Still Inspires – Enyinnaya Appolos
-
NEWS1 year agoAppeal Court Orders FRSC to Pay ₦10 Million in Landmark Human Rights Case
-
NEWS11 months agoIkonne to Otti: Fear God, Show Us 51 Schools for ₦54bn, Stop Forcing ₦36k Revenue on Aba Traders
-
NEWS1 year ago
Prince Paul Ikonne Applauds Governor Uzodinma’s Support for Aba State, Criticizes Governor Otti’s Stance