INEC declines recognition of Turaki-led PDP NWC, cites court orders

By Ade Ade

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will not recognise the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki, citing subsisting court judgments and unresolved legal proceedings.

INEC made its position known in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by its Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and made available to journalists.

The commission explained that it had received multiple requests from lawyers representing the PDP, urging it to recognise and upload on its website the list of national officers purportedly elected at the party’s National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to INEC, the requests were carefully examined in line with relevant laws, available facts and existing court judgments directly related to the matter.

The commission specifically referenced two rulings of the Federal High Court in Abuja - Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 delivered on October 31, 2025, and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025 delivered on November 14, 2025.

INEC stated that both judgments expressly restrained the commission from supervising, monitoring, recognising or giving effect to the outcome of the PDP National Convention held on November 15–16, 2025, or any similar exercise, pending full compliance with court orders.

While acknowledging that notices of appeal had been filed against the judgments, the commission stressed that an appeal does not automatically amount to a stay of execution.

It noted that until the judgments are set aside or stayed by a competent court, INEC remains legally bound to comply with them in accordance with Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The commission also addressed claims relating to interim orders issued by the Oyo State High Court, clarifying that it had been struck out of the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

INEC added that interim orders cannot override or invalidate subsisting final judgments of courts of coordinate or superior jurisdiction.

INEC further disclosed that another suit filed by the PDP is currently pending before the Federal High Court in Ibadan, where the party is seeking an order compelling the commission to recognise the NWC and National Executive Committee members said to have emerged from the Ibadan convention.

“In light of the pending suits, the request is prejudicial and cannot be acceded to until the determination of the appeals,” the commission said, adding that it is unable to recognise or update the list of national officers claimed to have emerged from the convention.

INEC noted that this position was clearly communicated to the PDP leadership during a meeting held at its headquarters on Friday, December 19, 2025, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to due process and respect for the rule of law.