The Tanimu Turaki–led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lacks the constitutional authority to determine the leadership of the party.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, made this position known while responding to INEC’s recent quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, which was attended by members of the Abdulrahman Mohammed–led National Caretaker Committee (NCC).
Ememobong said the party was aware that INEC invited representatives of political parties to the meeting, but expressed concern that the commission also extended an invitation to individuals he described as former PDP members, who are claiming to lead a non-existent National Caretaker Committee.
According to him, the PDP constitution makes no provision for such a committee, adding that INEC’s action was provocative and capable of triggering unnecessary tension. He warned that the party would pursue all available legal options to address the situation.
He further noted that several leadership-related cases are currently before the Court of Appeal, including the judgment being relied upon by INEC, and argued that an impartial electoral umpire should have exercised restraint until the courts fully resolve the matters.
Ememobong reassured party members that INEC would not impose leadership on the PDP and urged them to remain calm, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal would soon hear and determine all pending cases.
He maintained that the party’s rebuilding efforts under the leadership of Tanimu Turaki, SAN, remain firm, stressing that the PDP would overcome the current challenges and emerge stronger, more united, and better positioned as a credible alternative to the ruling party.
(NAN)