The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for holding a stakeholders’ meeting with a rival faction of the party reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
INEC on Thursday met with chairpersons and leaders of political parties, including Abdulrahman Mohammed, who heads a caretaker committee established by the Wike-aligned group within the PDP.
Reacting in a statement, spokesperson of the Turaki-led faction, Ini Ememobong, described Mohammed’s participation in the meeting as improper and troubling, stressing that INEC is constitutionally required to remain neutral in party affairs.
Ememobong noted that there are pending cases before the Court of Appeal seeking official recognition of Turaki as the legitimate party chairman, arguing that the electoral commission should have exercised caution while the legal process is ongoing.
He warned that the action could heighten tensions but said the faction would pursue appropriate legal remedies in response.
The spokesperson further maintained that INEC does not have the authority to determine or impose party leadership, urging PDP members to stay calm and law-abiding as the courts resolve the leadership dispute.
