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.